A Fat Tax--?
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (190011)
Boise, Idaho
March 19, 2016 7:35pm CST
On an episode of Dr. Phil there were a group of people discussing obesity. All professionals, some dieticians, personal trainers, doctors, etc. There was a personal trainer who had "No Chubbies" on his t-shirt. These professionals seems to have some very polar opposite opinions of obesity. Why it happens, dieting, exercise, etc.
A doctor stated that people do not live normally anymore. Some of us are not in a position to eat vegetables and fruit like we should either because of finanical restraints or area they live in. Some people live busy lives and they grab a snack somewhere and just do not eat healthy. I'm sure you know the stories. But, here is where I had a question and wondered what you folk's take on it might be:
People are over weight for many reasons. Hormones, thyroid, genetics, laziness, etc. Right? So, some of the people on this particular show want to put a law through the legistlature. A fat tax to be imposed on people buying junk food. This 'fat tax' would pay for the diseases obesity and the other health issues being overweight causes. What do you think of such a tax? Me? To be honest, I am middle of the road/fence on this. I see some good things coming from the money it would supply, and, I see where it might even help people to think twice about buying certain items if they know this tax will be imposed. But, I also see some downfalls. More money for certain items, people grumping about this and activists in revolt, etc. And, I don't want to have to pay more for goodies. It could also cause some businesses to go bankrupt because of the raising prices.
Image courtesy Flickr.com Commons
7 people like this
6 responses
@sallypup (69236)
• Centralia, Washington
20 Mar 16
Easter and Easter egg hunts are coming in now. Another excuse to be greedy for candy. I still think if the churches and other public places would encourage their people to plant gardens and take out all the grass more people would have vegies and fruit. I also wonder about how many people would eat the fresh produce- are we hooked on processed stuff? And processed stuff is not cheap. In a way, when a person buys a processed food that does not deliver good nutrition the person buying it has taxed themselves- not then but perhaps later their health could suffer partly from the lack of good fuel and somebody will have to pay for that doc bill etc.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (190011)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Mar 16
I think lots o people are hooked on processed foods. I also think that fresh produce is expensive because it has to be trucked to market. Unless people are lucky enough to have gardens. So, neither are inexpensive.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (69236)
• Centralia, Washington
20 Mar 16
@celticeagle Like I said, if people could take back America even a little, that would help feed people.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (190011)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Mar 16
@sallypup ....I think they have become complacent and a bit lazy.
1 person likes this
@TheDemonicAngel (699)
• United States
20 Mar 16
The mayor of New York tried this for sodas larger than I believe 20 oz
It completely backfired and I believe it was only in effect for a month (maybe less)
If some of the healthier foods were more affordable, maybe more people would buy it.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (190011)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Mar 16
If it didn't cost too much to get the healthier food to market it could be more affordable.
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
20 Mar 16
This is garbage totally in my mind.
It is discriminatory and another crazy idea from people who want control.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
20 Mar 16
I do think that maybe food "stamps" shouldn't pay for junk food, if you have a junk food tax, then there should be healthy food discounts. eating healthy is NOT cheap.
@garymarsh6 (24078)
• United Kingdom
20 Mar 16
Too late here in the UK they have just introduced such a fat tax on fizzy drinks ( Sodas) like coca cola for example. These drinks contain abnormally high levels of sugar. The tax imposed ranges from around half a dollar on a sliding scale down to healthier drinks. I agree that there are many metabolic disorders that may increase weight but seriously just look the next time you are in the Mall how many people are genuinely obese. I think they could have gone a step further to be honest and taxed all highly sugared foods although I dare say this will come eventually.
We often hear that fresh vegetables and fruit are way too expensive but think about it. (I know it is quite cheap to eat out in the USA especially fast food like pizza and burger type food) For a burger meal here it will set you up for around £5 for one person. You could buy a pound of potatoes a pound of carrots, some barley, onions, cabbage and make it into a jolly good stew which could serve a family of four and still have change. Vegetable pasta bake would be another cheap but nutritious meal. A tin of fruit or stewed apples with custard etc. All nutritious. Far healthier than those fat laden sugary fast food snacks.
People say they do not have time to cook which is another misconception. Half an hour to make the stew or the pasta bake. Sadly people are losing the art of cooking in the home and prefer to ram unhealthy ready prepared food down their necks.
I am sure that many people would disagree with me but in reality they need to wake up and be honest with themselves.
I do not think the Fat Tax will stop people though.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
20 Mar 16
I kind of like the idea really. It might make people think twice about junk food as you say.
1 person likes this
