Nutrition and Physical Activity Monitor: The system should sort it out, but please without any tax
Topics related to nutrition and physical activity are engaging Switzerland’s voting population more strongly than at any point since the survey began in 2014. At the same time, respondents feel less well informed. Among possible measures, prevention, information and cooperation receive particularly broad support, while a tax on foods high in sugar, salt or fat continues to be clearly rejected.
High interest, but less orientation
89 percent of eligible voters are somewhat or very interested in topics related to nutrition and physical activity. This is the highest level since measurement began in 2014. However, the share who say they are very interested has fallen from 33 to 28 percent compared with the previous year.
At the same time, only 68 percent of respondents now feel at least well informed about these topics. This is 13 percentage points lower than in 2025 and the lowest level recorded in the time series to date. In addition, 56 percent say they find it difficult to distinguish scientifically sound information from other information about nutrition.
The personal importance of these topics nevertheless remains high: 96 percent consider a balanced diet very or somewhat important, and 93 percent say the same about sufficient physical activity.
Prevention and information are particularly popular in addressing overweight
Among measures to address overweight, preventive approaches receive broad support. Prevention programmes for risk groups and joint projects with industry each receive 90 percent approval. More nutrition education in schools is supported by 89 percent, and additional physical education by 82 percent.
When asked how problems related to overweight should be addressed, the majority still places greater emphasis on individual responsibility than on government measures. On a scale from 0 for government measures to 10 for individual responsibility, the mean stands at 6.2 and has shifted by -0.8 compared with the previous year. Openness to government action has therefore increased, but individual responsibility continues to carry greater weight.
In a separate question on how eating behaviour should be influenced, information and education continue to be clearly preferred over taxes and legislation. At the same time, 76 percent believe that government measures against overweight are somewhat insufficient or insufficient. The perceived need for additional action therefore does not automatically translate into support for more regulation.
Sugar is viewed more critically, but a tax is still rejected
92 percent agree with the statement that added sugar in food contributes to weight gain. This figure has risen continuously since 2022 and reaches a new high in 2026. 93 percent believe that the food industry should stop using hidden sugar in processed foods. Agreement with the statement that sugar is harmful to health and should therefore be restricted by the state has increased from 48 percent in the previous year to 68 percent.
However, this more critical view does not translate into majority support for a sugar tax. 30 percent would agree to a tax on foods high in sugar, salt or fat, while 68 percent reject it.
72 percent believe that eating habits can hardly be changed through taxes. 60 percent fear an increase in cross-border shopping, while 58 percent expect disadvantages for domestic industry and trade. If a sugar tax were introduced, 80 percent believe it should apply equally to all foods.
Respondents see consumers themselves as making the greatest contribution
When asked which actors contribute to a balanced diet and sufficient physical activity, consumers themselves rank first. On a scale from 0 to 10, they achieve a mean score of 7.3. They are followed by consumer protection organisations at 6.6, family and friends at 6.5, and schools at 6.2.
In addition, 73 percent agree that the food industry bears responsibility for supporting conscious eating among the population. Agreement with this statement has increased continuously since 2022. In the separate question on contributions to a balanced diet and sufficient physical activity, food manufacturers receive a mean score of 5.2, while the beverage industry scores 4.7.
Acceptance of weight-loss medication depends on the reason for use
According to their own statements, 28 percent of eligible voters would like to lose weight. Views on weight-loss medication are mixed overall: 36 percent assess its use positively, while 41 percent are critical.
For health-related reasons, 90 percent support the use of such medication. If other methods do not produce the desired result, support stands at 78 percent. 46 percent support its use to feel more comfortable in one’s own body, while only 22 percent support it for purely aesthetic reasons.
At the same time, 90 percent believe that weight loss should primarily be achieved through nutrition and physical activity rather than medication. A further 64 percent believe that social pressure to be slim would increase if such medication were easily available.
Methodology
The Monitor Nutrition and Physical Activity is based on a representative survey of 1,013 eligible voters residing in Switzerland who speak one of the country’s three main languages. The survey was conducted between 18 March and 13 April 2026. For the first time, a mixed-mode approach was used: 804 people were interviewed by telephone using Random Digit Dialing, while a further 209 took part via an online panel. For Switzerland as a whole, the statistical margin of uncertainty is ±3.1 percentage points at a reported value of 50 percent and a 95 percent confidence level. The Monitor was commissioned by the Information Group on Soft Drinks.
The detailed results can be viewed in the interactive cockpit in German and French.
