The Welsh Government has launched plans to tackle obesity, which could see energy drinks banned for under-16s across the country. The number of takeaways selling hot food could also be limited near schools to try make young people healthier and stop rising obesity rates.
Concerns have been raised that the rising consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks is impacting students' educations. Some energy drinks have 21 teaspoons of sugar and the same caffeine content as three cups of coffee. Research shows that children who drink at least one energy drink per week are more likely to report symptoms such as headaches, sleep problems, and stomach problems as well as low mood and irritability. There is also evidence to link regular energy drink consumption with low educational engagement.
In Wales approximately 1.5m adults are overweight with 600,000 of those people being obese while more than one in four children in Wales are overweight or obese when they start primary school. It is estimated obesity costs the NHS £6.1b per year across the UK.
Read more: The one big issue people have with fining GP patients for missing appointments
A consultation has now been launched by the Welsh Government which will also look at restricting the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar, or salt, ending free refills on sugary drinks, and expanding the publication of calories on menus. In response to the consultation being launched hundreds of people took to WalesOnline's Facebook page to share their views on the matter.
Many of those who commented were in support of energy drinks being banned for children with some saying the consultation was a long time coming. "Should have been banned a long time ago," said Lynda Truss. "Horrible lethal stuff". Brian Kelman added: "Why under-16s would need energy drinks is a mystery to me," while Paul W Slates commented: "Kids buy them all the time in my place. I even asked the manager before selling and there's no age limit. Very silly."
Kenny Bobble wrote: "I’ve been banging on about this for years! Why is it human nature to always leave things until there is a serious problem? All these energy drinks are killing our bodies and they taste disgusting." He added: "Ban them advertising on projects like skydiving/ mountain biking/base jumping. They probably won’t because too much power and money involved."
However, others disagreed with the government's plans to tackle obesity. "And so it begins, the dictatorship of Drakeford," said Robert Spike Williams, while Dean Phillips added: "Ahh yes, the nanny state. Cigarettes still good though right?". Meanwhile Christine Elaine Vaughan remarked: "Bloody hell, before long we will have to ask to go for a pee."
Lewis Deacon asked: "Do we not all have a choice what we put in our bodies? Wonder if the people calling for a ban would like to ban alcohol as well?". He added: "If you don't buy energy drinks how on earth can you tell people to stop or ask for them to be banned while at the same time drinking pint cans of Super Brew while watching EastEnders with a microwave meal and a pack of cigarettes on the arm of the sofa? If people want to be unhealthy who the hell are you to stop them, busy bodies?"
Many, however, believed that any move to ban the drinks for under-16s would not go far enough with several commenting saying that they should be outlawed altogether. "They should be off the market, people die from that stuff," said Donna Cope, while Katrina wrote: "They should be banned full stop, for all ages."
"Ban them altogether," said Nathan Jarman. "The companies that make them are killing people and made them addictive." Michelle Lloyd wrote: "Should be banned, they're no good for you," while Sam Wilson added: "They're no good for anyone."
Others thought that banning the drinks would not necessarily stop children from drinking them. "Just because you ban the sale to certain ages doesn't automatically mean it'll stop youngsters drinking it," said Leon Connor. "Just look at tobacco and alcohol for examples. They have an age limit that is ignored!"
Meanwhile Gordann Thomas asked: "Is this like banning alcohol for those under-18 and banning cigarettes for those under-18?" He added: "That's worked well."
