Yes on Measure Z
Santa Cruz Works, a 501c6 organization dedicated to supporting the local business community, recommends voting Yes on Measure Z to promote the health and well-being of Santa Cruz residents. The measure aims to reduce excessive sugar consumption, a leading factor in the rise of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health issues that burden our healthcare system.
There is overwhelming scientific evidence that links high sugar intake to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. Sugar, especially in the form of sugary drinks and processed foods, provides a concentrated source of empty calories that contribute significantly to weight gain. Obesity, in turn, leads to a range of metabolic disorders, most notably insulin resistance, which increases the risk of diabetes.
In Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, Yuval Noah Harari discusses the shift in causes of death over time, noting the transition from famine to overconsumption: “Sugar is now more dangerous than gunpowder.” He elaborates on how, historically, famine was a leading cause of death, but in modern times, overeating and diseases related to excess food consumption have become much more prevalent.
This insight highlights the irony of human progress—where once food scarcity was the biggest challenge, today, overabundance, especially of unhealthy foods, presents a major health crisis.
Measure Z takes a proactive approach to addressing these public health issues by discouraging the overconsumption of sugar. By creating awareness and curbing the availability of sugary products, we can help reduce the excessive intake that contributes to these widespread health concerns.
Beyond obesity, high sugar consumption is linked to chronic inflammation, which can damage the body's organs and exacerbate numerous health conditions. It also poses a threat to liver health, as excess sugar can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that is becoming increasingly common due to the rise of sugar-laden diets.
While sugar is not the only factor contributing to obesity and its associated health risks, it is a significant one, particularly in our modern diet. By voting **Yes on Measure Z**, Santa Cruz residents have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the health of their community and set a precedent for reducing the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption.
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