Fat Tax Support

A fat tax would aim to decrease the consumption of foods that are linked to obesity. Numerous studies suggest that the low price of junk food/fast food is what leads to individuals getting fatter. In fact, eating behaviors may be more responsive to price increases than to nutritional education. "One U.S. study reviewed by Mytton and his colleagues found a 35% tax on sugar-sweetened drinks — $0.45 per drink — led to a 26% decline in sales. Based on their analysis of modeling studies, they concluded a 20% tax on sugary drinks in the U.S. would reduce obesity levels by 3.5% — from 33.5% to 30% among adults."(http://healthland.time.com/2012/05/16/study-a-20-fat-tax-would-improve-public-health/). An Eastern European report found that putting specific taxes on sugar, salt or fat do cause reductions in consumption. Taxes on alcohol and cigarettes have been commonplace in America, where as taxes on specific unhealthy foods and drinks have not been. America needs to jump on board with this idea. Not only might it decrease consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, possibly increasing the consumption of healthier foods, and resulting in weight loss - but it could also potentially decrease the amount of health related cases in America that are tied to obesity. In addition to health, this may also impact Americans in other aspects of their lives, including personal/family relationships, work life, and income. What if taxing unhealthy foods went towards increasing employee wages, and creating more jobs. What if it helped pay for healthcare reform and provided coverage for those uninsured? There are so many benefits to taxing foods of little or no nutritional value.