Fat Tax on "Unhealthy" Foods

[BendtheBar]

And so it begins...

Report: 'Fat Tax' Could Curb Nation's Obesity Problem - Staying Healthy News Story - WRTV Indianapolis

Health experts have been trying to combat obesity in America for years and have recently suggested a new way to solve the growing problem.

A new study suggests that imposing a fat tax on unhealthy food and drinks could help slim down expanding waistlines.

According to reports, more than 60 percent of Americans are overweight. Under the tax, a $4 cheeseburger would cost an extra 80 cents, RTV6's Stacia Matthews reported.

Some Hoosiers found the proposed fat tax hard to swallow.

"I don't think we should tax people and the way they run their lives,” one man said.

Others said a fat tax is palatable.

"I'd pay 20 percent. It's worth it,” one woman said. "I would eat a lot more healthy just to save more money.”

Researchers said a fat tax could drop obesity rates by 3.5 percent and prevent 2,700 heart-related deaths a year. The study also urged subsidies for healthier foods and veggies to make them more affordable.

Dr. Eric Wright, who heads the Department of Public Health at the Indiana University School of Medicine, said the fat tax falls right in line with other consumer products.

"We've applied tax to alcohol and tobacco and that has definitely shown through very many studies that it actually decreased use. So, the logic has been applied to fatty foods and preliminary evidence in Europe is that it’s very effective,” Wright said.

Researchers said Indiana spends $3.5 billion a year on obesity-related medical costs.

"The reality is, with two-thirds of the population being overweight or obese, that's what's driving up health care costs and you can either choose to pay now, or you can pay later,” Wright said.

Critics of the tax said people who choose to healthier foods should receive tax breaks and incentives.

[BendtheBar]

Ban on fats next?

[IronManlet]

Yeah, yeah...like they're actually concerned with the health of the peasantry anyway.

Just another excuse to hike up prices; this time on things they know consumers buy in bundles. They're getting desperate.

[bruteforce]

I'm too filled with rage to be very articulate about this. Take your grains and cucumbers and shove them up something and stay out of my food. Ready to rip the arms off every politician, dietitian, and medical "professional" who tries to take away the foods that keep my blood sugar and cholesterol under control.

[BendtheBar]

Saturated fats are evil? Check. Cholesterol is evil? Check. Fats make you fat? Check.

Brave new world. Must...believe...government....

More...white...bread...

[5kgLifter]

How do they plan on determining what is and is not unhealthy?

[Fazc]

What a load of bollocks!

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

How do they plan on determining what is and is not unhealthy?

Therein lies the major problem. Once Pandora's box is opened, lobbyists will fight for their products to become healthy and for competitors to become unhealthy.

[bruteforce]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Therein lies the major problem. Once Pandora's box is opened, lobbyists will fight for their products to become healthy and for competitors to become unhealthy.

I can see it now. Only Lay's potato chips are healthy. The store brand will kill you. The government said so.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by bruteforce

I can see it now. Only Lay's potato chips are healthy. The store brand will kill you. The government said so.

And that's how it will be, because a 20% tax will kill some industries.