The impact of taxes on soft drinks on adult consumption and weight outcomes in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Over recent decades, most governments have implemented taxes on unhealthy food and beverages to decrease obesity risk. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of soft drink consumption on obesity risk in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before and after soft drink taxation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 adults of both genders. The study was conducted in Medina 3 months before Saudi soft drink taxation was implemented. Participants were invited to complete a survey via a link sent to their phones before and after soft drink taxation was implemented. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the risk of obesity among soft drink consumers vs. nonconsumers. Results: The study showed that after taxation, soft drink consumption decreased by 19% among participants. The decrease was 75% greater among obese participants than among lean and normal subjects. After controlling for potential confounding variables, normal and obese participants were compared. Before taxation, not consuming soft drinks decreased the risk of obesity by 16% (aOR = 0.727, 95% CI 0.048–0.909). After taxation, not consuming soft drinks decreased the risk of obesity by 32% (aOR = 0.688, 95% CI 0.048–0.989). Conclusions: Regardless of participants' BMI, the soft drink tax may significantly decrease the obesity risk by reducing the consumption of unhealthy beverages, especially soft drinks. This change in consumption habits could lead to decreased health problems, improve individuals' lifestyles, and support individuals’ quality of life.

Keywords

• Obesity
• Lean
• Taxation
• Sugar-sweetened beverages
• Soft drinks