Would taxing fast food help combat obesity?
With increasing rates of obesity worldwide, policymakers have been debating whether levying taxes on junk food and sugary drinks can help combat the problem. Burgers, muffins, chocolate bars, and colas are part of the American diet. However, there are no countrywide tax policies, even though these foods majorly contribute to the obesity epidemic.
Why tax fast food?
Junk food, or fast food, contains a high number of calories. Most of these calories come from fats, carbohydrates, and sugars, meaning that your body’s nutritional needs are not being met. Such foods are deficient in protein and fibre. The fats and carbohydrates, when digested, convert into sugars and cause a surge in blood glucose levels that also drop as quickly, leading to more cravings. Regular consumption of fast food leads to weight gain as you consume extra calories. Frequent surges in blood sugar also carry the risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes since these interfere with the body’s insulin resistance.
Countries that levy the ‘sin tax’
Many countries have already started levying taxes on sugary drinks and sodas. The tax on fizzy drinks in India is as high as 40%. Countries like Mexico are leading the campaign when it comes to junk food. The government has levied taxes, causing an 8% increase in junk food prices. The tax is applicable on ‘non-essential’ foods that pack a calorie density of more than 275 calories for every 100 grams. Hungary has implemented a 4% tax on several items containing high levels of salt and sugar.
How will it work?
Incentivising healthier food choices by keeping them affordable will work against the backdrop of fast foods prices going up. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that consumers tend to choose cheaper and healthier products when costs are increased. While it is a matter of debate if the taxing of fast foods will help combat obesity, the WHO studies on nations that have levied such taxes have shown encouraging results. Therefore, governments should consider implementing such a tax and subsidising healthier foods like fruits, whole grains, and vegetables to encourage healthy buying habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the tax on junk food a good idea?
The WHO data indicate that levying higher taxes on junk food encourages healthier food choices.
- Is a fat or sugar tax a deterrent to a poor diet?
Reports from countries with similar taxes suggest that moderate taxes on sugary drinks are likely to reduce obesity rates by 1 to 4% in America.
- Would taxing unhealthy foods improve public health?
Taxing unhealthy foods alone may not work. Incentivising healthier foods by offering subsidies on them can lead to higher consumption of the latter.
- Why is junk food blamed for obesity?
When consumed occasionally, junk food does not lead to obesity. However, frequent consumption will lead to weight gain and other health complications.
- What does fast food do to your body?
Diets that are majorly composed of junk foods are linked to high obesity rates. Such a diet also increases the risk of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cardiac disease.
https://www.vox.com/2018/1/17/16870014/junk-food-tax
https://www.healthline.com/health/fast-food-effects-on-body#digestive-and-cardiovascular-systems
