Kazakhstan hikes sugary drink taxes to combat obesity and chronic disease

Kazakhstan is set to raise taxes on sugary drinks in a bid to tackle rising obesity and chronic diseases. The Ministry of Health’s new plan targets a 16% drop in sales of unhealthy beverages while pushing water consumption up by 41%. Officials warn that excessive sugar intake is fuelling serious health risks, particularly among children. Nearly one in four Kazakhstani children now struggles with overweight or obesity. Health experts link this trend directly to the growing consumption of sugary drinks. These beverages—defined by the World Cancer Research Fund as containing added sweeteners like sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup—are tied to higher risks of type II diabetes, heart attacks, and other life-threatening conditions.

The government’s response includes an 18% tax hike on sugary drinks, slightly below the World Health Organization’s recommended 20%. The WHO also advises limiting sugar to 10% of daily energy intake, or around 50g for an average adult. With chronic diseases accounting for 86% of all deaths in Kazakhstan, authorities are under pressure to act. The World Bank has backed the Ministry’s proposal, highlighting the urgent need to curb unhealthy consumption habits. The tax increase forms part of a broader strategy to shift consumer behaviour towards healthier choices, particularly among young people.

The tax rise aims to cut sugary drink sales while boosting water consumption. If successful, the policy could ease the burden of obesity-related illnesses in the long term. Health officials will monitor its impact on public health, especially among children and young adults.