“The consumption of sodapop as it relates to the risk of chronic disease is clear”, as recently reported by the New England Journal of Medicine.
But the question becomes, will a tax on sugary beverages curb America’s consumption and reduce the obesity epidemic as it stands today?
The New England Journal says the tax would increase the cost of a 20-ounce soft drink by 15-20% and based on the economic principle of price elasticity, when the price of soda pop has risen by 10%, then consumption has dropped by approximately 8 percent. It is thought that people who lower their intake of calories are less likely to replace them, thus losing a significant amount of weight.
It is recommended that if a tax of this type could raise $14.9 BILLION in the first year, then this could be money that would go into nutrition or obesity prevention programs.
The idea is shocking to some, but it is thought by the experts that people will get used to the idea, in the same way that tobacco taxes have became accepted. Tobacco products have become routine at both state and federal levels generating revenue and providing a public health benefit with respect to smoking rates. It is believed that taxes on sodapop will become accepted as part of the on-going campaign for the prevention of chronic illnesses and help ease the obesity epidemic.
Review a research report that shows sodapop consumption and its link to obesity: sodapop-and-obesity.pdf
One of the best actions items you can take to improve your health is to give up sodapop.
