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WHO publishes policy briefing on food taxes for a healthy diet, urging it’s ‘time for action’
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a new policy briefing that aims to provide an evidence-informed overview of health taxes on food as an effective fiscal policy to create healthier food environments, promote healthier diets, and reduce the burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
The briefing outlines different types of food taxes and examines their practical implications for policy development and implementation. The document also highlights key principles of good practice aimed at guiding policymakers in designing equitable and effective health tax policies.
Scientists uncover potential link between diet and near-sightedness
Researchers studying more than 1000 children found that omega-3 fatty acids may help protect against myopia, while saturated fats may increase the risk.
Children with more omega-3 in their diet had healthier eye measurements linked to slower vision deterioration. Those with high saturated fat intake, however, showed worse outcomes.
Researchers suggest a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found predominantly in fish oils, may help ward off the development of near-sightedness (myopia).
Under-16s in England to be banned from buying energy drinks
The UK Government is to ban the sale of energy drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine to under-16s, citing concerns around obesity, sleep disturbances, and lack of concentration.
Popular energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster will be included in the ban. Shops, cafes, restaurants, and websites will be prohibited from selling drinks that exceed the 150mg caffeine limit - the equivalent of one espresso or two cans of cola - to anyone under 16. This also includes vending machines.
It is unclear when the ban will come into effect.
BDA to release dietary resources for those on obesity management medicines
The BDA Obesity Specialist Group has been successful in securing supportive funding to create dietary resources for people receiving treatment with obesity management medications.
The resources will be made available to all healthcare professionals, patients, and carers for free on the BDA website.
Beet juice may help older adults lower blood pressure in just two weeks
The blood pressure-lowering effect of nitrate-rich beetroot juice in older people may be due to specific changes in their oral microbiome.
This is according to findings of the largest study of its kind, which has been carried out by the University of Exeter.
Why ultra-processed diets make people gain fat even without extra calories
In the new study from the University of Copenhagen, men eating ultra-processed foods gained more fat than those eating unprocessed meals, even with equal calories. Their hormone levels shifted in worrying ways, with testosterone falling and pollutants rising. Researchers say the processing itself, not overeating, is to blame.