Singapore bans ads for high-sugar drinks

Singapore is waging a war against diabetes by putting a total ban on advertisements for some sugary drinks. It's one of the first countries to initiate this kind of ban. Singapore's Ministry of Health said it will ban advertisements for sugar-sweetened beverages deemed "the least healthy." The ban covers ads on all mass media and online. Singapore has been faced with a rapidly aging population that's expected to double over the next decade. Its health ministry says with that, health care cost will increase as more of its elderly have diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Class discussion: Do you think Singapore will improve its citizens’ health by banning advertisements for sugary drinks like sodas? Has banning some tobacco advertising reduced smoking in the United States? Should advertising for e-cigarettes be banned? How about banning advertising for other products that may cause health problems? Should all advertising for alcohol products be banned? How about advertising for fast food and sugary or salty snacks? Would you ban advertising for any products? Why or why not?