Would imposing a high tax on fast foods and other unhealthy foods help combat obesity issues in the U.S.?
Yes
The federal government needs to stop paying attention to all the food lobbyists and do what is right for the American people. Cheap fast food and many unhealthy foods that contain unhealthy products are subsidized by the gov't. The government needs to make healthy fruits and vegetables cheaper so that the average American can afford to spend their money purchasing real food instead of food that will ultimately lead them to obesity and a life on medication.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, a high tax on unhealthy foods would make them more expensive, deterring people from eating them and becoming obese.
I think that Americans eat a lot of fast food and unhealthy food because it is so cheap and convenient. If it were more expensive, they would probably eat out less and cook healthier meals at home. This would definitely reduce obesity issues. So it's a good idea to impose a high tax on such foods.
Posted by: TigerDeIIPeople only buy it because it is cheap.
People only buy the fatty foods at fast food "restaurants" because they are a lot cheaper than the healthier options. You can grab a $2 cheeseburger at MacDonald's over a $10 SALAD rap. This is very enticing for people so they grab the cheaper option (which is also the less healthy option).
Posted by: AnonymousYES AND NO
Honestly, the economy needs to improve before any decisions are made here because healthy foods cost way more that fast food. Food manufacturers should make healthy foods cost less than fast food, so that people of the middle class actually have a choice in what they eat, rather than just being stuck with unhealthy food because of the lack of money needed to provide healthy foods for their families. The United States would see a dramatic improvement in the obesity crisis if the strategy suggested here was implicated.
Posted by: AnonymousUS Health
Fast food is not healthy for anyone, it will worsen anyone's health. Putting a higher tax on junk food will help force Americans to think about what foods they are purchasing. Overall, health is more important than the "convenience" of fast food restaurants. We should be ashamed of what our country has come to value especially when it comes to our own health.
Posted by: AnonymousLife or Death
A tax on junk food has many benefits. America is in a very bad health crisis and we need this tax. This tax will lower the health care costs which is around $150 billion. Also this tax will help families save money because families wont have to pay as much medical bills. This tax will make healthier foods cheaper by making junk food more expensive.
Posted by: AnonymousYES it will discourage teens.
As a teenager myself I know that the majority of my friends only eat unhealthy foods because they are cheap and easily accessible. However a vast majority of them would much prefer to eat something that didn't make them feel unhealthy rather than the cheap greasy food. Also many people my age don't know any better, they are unaware of how bad the food actually is for them and of what healthier options may be. I think if the money raised by these taxes could be put towards better nutrition education systems in schools, etc, the problem could be resolved. With 300,000 people dying in the U.S every year purely from obesity related diseases, we don't need more of our young members of the nation joining this statistic, especially when it is one hundred percent preventable.
Posted by: AnonymousIt will make people look for ways to save and buy healthier food.
How many people do you walk past each day that are obese? If everyone eats unhealthy food in moderation no one should care if it's taxed. Also the money from this tax will go towards other, more important things that the government needs. While people will not like this tax they will be looking for ways to save by buying healthier foods, saving lives and money.
Posted by: AnonymousNeeded.
Taxing the unhealthy (fast) foods would allow use to gain tons of money in tax revenue, which we could use to combat other problems. I think that if we raised the prices of fatty and unhealthy foods and then lower the prices of healthy and nutritional we would be able to get people to buy the healthy food instead of the unhealthy foods. That way if a person has that $1 and he can't afford the price of the pricey cheeseburger he'll head over and get himself a salad which now costs that $1. Basically switch the prices of the foods, if a cheeseburger cost $1 and a salad $3, then make it so the salad costs $1 and cheeseburger cost $3.
Posted by: AnonymousThis will help
Everyday you hear people complaining how obese America is, so when people try to take action you complain about it? Using the excuse that it taking away you rights just makes me laugh. You are not being told you can't eat or buy this food, it's just putting a little tax on unhealthy foods to make people more aware of what they are eating. Then the taxes could be used to help lower the price of healthy foods. I don't think this will 100% fix obesity, but it will certainly help and get this problem under some control.
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
I support a sin tax on junk food because I believe it would be beneficial if this tax money went towards lowering the price of healthy foods. Making healthy food more affordable and raising the price of junk would encourage people to eat healthier. Everyone knows when you eat better, you feel better.
Posted by: AnonymousHigher taxes on fast food and unhealthy foods would help combat obesity because in this country money is the biggest motivator.
As the old saying goes, "Money Talks." In a country based on capitalism, where every cent counts, loss of said cents is usually the biggest motivator to encourage changes in living habits. Losing weight because someone wants to be healthier and have a healthier lifestyle is not much of a motivator in this day in age where over-excess and greed is almost a staple in our society.
Posted by: BrianDjIt's an addiction!
For people to become obese, they have to have an addiction to an unhealthy product and we can help people with this obsession by increasing fast food sale prices. People buy it because it's cheap. So the obvious solution would be to make these greasy, fake substances higher priced. Numerous studies suggest that as the price of a food decreases, an individuals weight increases. Also if people started spending less money on the food that harms us, they might start to listen and buy the food that helps us. If we don't get this "fat tax" then an intensification of numerous diseases will occur to innocent citizens who are captivated by these false advertisements; diabetes, heart diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, dyslipidemia, liver damage and a bundle more will affect more people.
Posted by: AnonymousA very concerned young adult
Most Americans consume diets that do not meet Federal dietary recommendations. Standard price comparisons using the CPI suggest that prices of fresh fruits and vegetables have increased relative to prices of other foods. How can an individual achieve a healthy diet when most cannot afford one? This is a very serious problem that includes not only our entire nation but the whole world.
Posted by: AnonymousWe need a fat tax!
I'm doing a debate about this in about a week's time, and I definitely agree that there should be a fat tax in Australia as well as America! Although some people may still pay the extra money for their favorite king sized chocolate bar, majority of the population will back off junk food if it means forking out a lot from their wallet!
Not only this, but the funds made from the taxing can easily be used to go towards health care and medical treatments to do with obesity which would usually come out of the government's pocket. I find it so devastating that a study showed that 1 in 3 students in the USA born between 2000 and today will get Type 2 diabetes (caused by an unhealthy diet). It's important to note Type 2 diabetes as there is another form of diabetes that is incurable!Posted by: AnonymousPeople are less likely to buy food from fast-foods.
People are less likely to buy food from fast-foods since they know it will be expensive due to the high tax on them. It is obvious and makes common sense and is logical because due to the world economic recession today, people tend to buy cheaper goods and fast-foods would therefore not be their cheaper choice!
Posted by: AnonymousThe answer is "Who Knows", but do it anyway!!
Unhealthy food causes DISEASE, so, YES, it should be taxed! For the first time ever, children have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Seriously, we have eight year olds with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes! Look at an elementary school class picture from the 70's and compare it to one from today... we have BIG problems! People eating farm raised products that are cooked at home very rarely, if ever, get these diseases. We tax alcohol and tabacco because they cause disease, so why don't we tax unhealthy food?
Posted by: AnonymousAddiction and Economy
Junk food has a certain addicting quality that has people wanting to eat it all the time, so they do. How did this start though? Well, when junk food started to produce, companies wanted to make it as cheep as possible so they did, and people started buying it because they could afford it much more easily then healthier foods. So if the fat tax would be put in order, and healthy foods were to be at a lower price, people would be able to afford the healthy food over the junk food, thus slowing down the ever growing rate of obesity.
Posted by: alysonCombat Obesity in the US
Obesity is a serious problem in the US and people need to understand the risk of fast food to their health. Since I'm not American, I can see the US from different point of view. I think the government should deal with this problems more and more, otherwise the number of obese will increase. There are so many fat people in the US and obesity is already a symbol of this country. I understand a higher tax on fast food could hurt low income people, however, the government can use revenue for soup kitchens, and other food distribution organizations and help those who cannot afford healthy food.
Posted by: AnonymousIt would be extremely helpful.
Taxes could be lessened from other things that are less harmful to us. We can't just sit around and complain about being fat, and we probably won't lose weight unless we are forced to. I think that it is fair that we would need to pay more for unhealthy food. Currently, healthy food is more expensive than unhealthy food, so they should at least even out the playing field.
Posted by: AnonymousFast Food is Bad
It provides a large amount of obesity in the US, it only helps the corporation grow, and yes, it does help employment, but the pay is extremely low. Fast Food is a United States exclusive, and made of the populations children are attracted by the toys that add pollution when produced and waste when disposed. It is somewhat pointless to eat satisfying "food" and in return gain weight, a shorter life, and unhappiness.
Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely. Much of the reason consumers splurge on fast food is because it is cheap.
A study by the Department of Nutrition at UNC, Chapel Hill published in March of 2010 stated that after 20 years of study the subjects in the experiment that lived in areas where fast food prices were increased saw decreases in body weight and risk for diabetes. Granted this is not an accurate sample of the entire population, but I firmly believe that it would help to combat these two major health problems in the America today. The total cost to treat diabetes alone in 2012 was roughly $245 billion. For a single person the cost is about $13,700 annually. I would hope that an increase in fast food prices would not lead to a someone spending $13,700 more on fast food in a single year. The scary fact about that number is it ONLY includes diabetes. Fast food also clearly leads to obesity, and can also be a major factor in causing Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure. The bottom line is you should not be consuming fast food regardless of price, it is more harmful to your body in the long run than it provides nutritional value and cost effectiveness in the short term. Raise fast food prices, you will be doing everyone a favor.
Posted by: jmayYes, for sure.
Obesity is a problem in the United States and putting a tax on junk food would help prevent that. If we put a tax on junk food people would feel less inclined to buy it. It may not be a huge improvement at first but over time it could make a difference.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople are FAT. This needs to be stopped IMMEDIATELY.
FAT. The government needs to come in and regulate this. We have too many obese people here in the US. This NEEDS to be stopped. This is one of those things that need to be taxed because with the tax less people will eat it. People only eat fast food because it is cheap. Now people will be forced to go to those healthier options that may cost more but are better for your body.
Posted by: AnonymousWorldwide obesity.
When people just sit around on their couches and eat fatty foods they really aren't helping themselves, they're just killing themselves in a slow process, so if the government raises the tax on junk food people will think they're paying too much for one thing, so they automatically go get other junk food, so I think that the government should raise junk food tax, for every type of junk food, not just the U.S., but worldwide.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, taxing fast food and similar food products would create additional incentive for consumers to eat healthier. But it would also penalize some poor people.
Taxes do seem to affect consumer behavior. Witness the decline of smokers as a proportion of the population over the past few decades, from a prevalence of about 45 percent to perhaps 20 or 25 percent today (a great public health victory). There seems to be little question, furthermore, that fast food, based on fat, poor nutritional content, and other factors, carries risks that can contribute to obesity and other chronic health problems. But those consumers who continue to purchase fast food, out of habit, preference, or convenience (insofar as fast food producers do not offer many healthier alternatives), will be penalized, and many of these consumers are poor. This option should therefore not be ruled out, but it should not be the only policy option on the table, nor should it be implemented in a cavalier fashion.
Posted by: M4I4cFeIineFat Tax
Bring on the fat tax. I'm sick and tired of seeing people use their EBT card (food stamps) to buy their over weight child that king size candy bar. If there is a tax on the food then that over weight mother will spend her real money on cigarettes instead giving that child a chance at a healthier diet to combat the second hand smoke . I say Bring on the fat tax!
Posted by: AnonymousA tax will solve much of the problem and offer a viable solution
A sin tax on junk food will create tax revenue. The tax revenue could be used to make healthier options more affordable and to help cover the costs of programs which aid obese people in becoming healthier again. The playing field between healthy and unhealthy foods will be evened out, and so many people who buy junk food simply because it is what they can afford, will be able to buy healthy alternatives. It will not take away the personal choice, as someone who wants junk food will still be able to get it, however those who eat junk food as a daily meal will be forced to reconsider every purchase as it will eventually become a financial burden.
Posted by: AnonymousSubsidies for health care and farmers.
I wholly believe that such a tax should be levied on fast foods. The additional proceeds could go into a master account which would pay into a health care fund for low income people who suffer from heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and lower limb joint issues all caused by poor eating habits and obesity. Additionally (or alternately), this money could go towards subsidizing farmers who produce healthful, organic foods sold locally. This would serve the dual purpose of ensuring that farmers get paid more (thus providing incentive for there to be more farmers) as well as lowering the cost of healthy food for consumers, hopefully leading to more widespread good eating habits.
Posted by: AnonymousCosting us billions
I don't understand why it is okay to have surcharges, city taxes, and state taxes on products like tobacco and alcohol, and still sell a cheeseburger at minimum cost. If the reason these other potentially harmful substances have to be taxed is because of the healthcare costs surrounding them than fast food should surely be up there too. The obesity epidemic in this country costs about $190 billion a year... Just for medical care. I think it is ridiculous to tax on bad habit and not another.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, definitely it would help a lot.
America is in very bad health, as it is the country with most obese people in the world, which concerns us very much because people's health are very important and they should start eating some healthy homemade food rather than junk. I'm sure this method would help very much. :)
Posted by: AnonymousI absolutely think it will help
I think that they should put a tax on junk food but they should also lower the prices of healthy foods. It would not be right to have higher taxes on all food because then it wont matter whether we have to pay higher prices for junk food or for healthier foods. I do believe if we tax junk food it will at least bring down the obesity rate somewhat but there are also other ways to help with obesity not just the food we eat. It is also how much we eat.
Posted by: AnonymousSin taxes already exist on unhealthy items; it can be extended to unhealthy food.
"Sin tax" is already widely applied to many substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. Food containing absolutely no nutritional value, or food that is quantifiably unhealthy, should also be subject to these taxes. By making the unhealthy food more expensive, healthy food will be cheaper in comparison, which would result in more people choosing more healthy food options.
Posted by: RaymoCanyonsNasty, fatty foods
This would really help. It may not make EVERYONE become less obese, but it would get obesity under control because it seems as if people do not care if they are healthy or not. Not only this, but people would keep people from getting things such as diabetes, heart disease, liver damage, etc. And after eating healthy foods, maybe families would start seeing it's better to be healthy and might do activities outside together, or maybe not. But yes, this would help a lot. Than maybe healthy food prices would go down as well.
Posted by: AnonymousFast food is not healthy for anyone
US Health
Fast food is not healthy for anyone, it will worsen anyone's health. Putting a higher tax on junk food will help force Americans to think about what foods they are purchasing. Overall, health is more important than the "convenience" of fast food restaurants. We should be ashamed of what our country has come to value especially when it comes to our own health.Posted by: AnonymousIt worked with tobacco.
Taxes on tobacco have proven that taxing an unhealthy item will decrease its sales. This could work for junk foods and soft drinks, too. No one would really want to pay a large amount of money for something if they could buy a cheaper, healthier alternative. While some people might still buy the unhealthy hamburger, the majority of people will go for the cheaper option.
Posted by: AnonymousObesity
Obesity is a problem is the US economy. We have gotten so used to sugar that we do not care how much it costs but we just need to have it. Therefore we need to stop this problem for our future generations to have a healthy life without diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Also kids nowadays are the ones with diabetes and diseases like that because the don't do a job to get money, they have a certain amount in which they want to eat their food. So you can guess they would obviously go for junk food. In the end I would say that this is the better decision to make.
Posted by: AnonymousFast food is convenient because it is easy and cheap to get; making it more expensive will encourage other foods to be eaten.
One of the reasons people do not choose healthier foods today is because of money, another is of convenience. If taxes are placed on fast foods to make them more expensive, then people will be driven to seek out healthier foods as they are less expensive. Therefore eating healthier foods will combat obesity.
Posted by: SoWinifI support a tax on unhealthy foods because I believe that "junk food" and the fast food industry in particular are largely responsible for the growing obesity problem in the US, especially child obesity.
I think that the tax dollars gleaned from an "unhealthy food tax" should go towards paying for health care. It is useless for fast food and "junk food" companies to claim that they do not target children in their advertising. Children learn their eating habits early in life. Making fast food and junk food less appealing to parents by adding a tax on to the prices would be a step towards forcing them to think about what they are teaching their children about the value of food. It is actually very sad that we devalue any food in this country enough that we call it "junk."
Posted by: Shim2freeLet Fast Food Finance the Nation
Since tobacco excise taxes are a gold mine for every state and states are looking for more money, let's tax a lot of people to support our spending. We did that with smokers who offended us with their unhealthy habit. Obese people are also offensive in their looks, plus cost a lot of money to our great health system. We all agree that their behavior is unhealthy, so let's tax them!
Posted by: AnonymousSick of seeing obese children
I am sick of seeing children and teenagers that are becoming obese or that are already overweight because their parents don't give them the proper nutrition. I think that a tax on unhealthy foods would help parents to make better decisions especially if that tax were used to make healthy choice foods cheaper or more easily attainable
Posted by: AnonymousYes, here's my opinion.
Have you ever been in a hurry to feed your kids or get a quick meal in so you stop and buy a couple burgers because they're $1.79, or even just throw a couple microwave dinners in the oven for the kids ? I'm pretty sure most of you have done this! The thing is, yes, we do it because it's quick but we also do it because it's cheap! If they were to raise the price of a hamburger to around $6 or $7 would you still stop and buy a couple for your kids? I'm thinking no. Because the better population of the United States has busy lives and works long days. Yes, we get that but if it didn't cost $35 to buy what you need for a salad, I could almost guarantee you more people would spend that 20 minutes on a Monday night to cut up and throw together a salad that you could eat all week. I know that doesn't really answer the question but that's my opinion and I'm only in tenth grade.
Posted by: AnonymousThe facts are kept hidden
A tax would require information to get out in the open, people seeking it, discussions and so on. The end of obesity as an epidemic will not take place until real facts and information about the US food industry are accessible to all. Right now education on the subject is limited and biased.
Posted by: AnonymousHigher tax on fast food
Fast food is only good for 2 things, convenience and price, many people who live under poor conditions can be extremely lazy to go buy fresh produce and make a home meal themselves and therefore revert to fast food. By eliminating at least one factor as to why anybody chooses to eat fast food, people will even think about not eating fast food.
Posted by: AnonymousThere are many statistics to prove this.
Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States and with 160,000 fast food restaurants and 50 million people served daily, fast food and soda can’t be helping.
Certain food items would be regulated or taxed if this obesity tax were to be put into play. For fast food, they would be taxed based on the amount of fat in each meal. In the case of soda, the city of Richmond has set an example. They are planning on taxing sodas and sugary drinks, such as Snapple, based on the amount of sugar. Most fruit juices and diet sodas would be exempt from this tax. The money raised from taxing these items would go towards helping to prevent and treat obesity and obesity related problems.
Our next argument was that this tax has a possibility to successfully deter the unhealthy effects of eating fast food and drinking soda, especially obesity. A sin tax was put on each pack of cigarettes and as a result, health problems were greatly reduced and thousands of dollars were raised to help problems that occurred from tobacco use. If the cigarette tax worked this well, it implies that a sin tax on fast food and soda could greatly reduce obesity, especially because it affects so many people.
Our third argument was that fast food and soda is very unhealthy. Fast food is very high in fat content and is also full of chemicals, which could be very bad for you. Soda also has very high amounts of sugar. A 20 ounce soda, as found by the L.A. County Health Department has 65 grams of sugar, or 22 sugar packets. Soda can also lead to other health problems. If these items were taxed and regulated, the amount of chemicals consumed would be reduced.
Moving on to our final argument, a shocking 69 percent of Americans are overweight, with 35 percent of that being obese, according to the Center for Disease Control. That being said, obesity affects a large number of people and fast food and soda contribute to obesity greatly due to the
accessibility size and quantities of fat and sugar.
The Office of the Surgeon General states that just by being obese, one can increase their chances of “arthritis sleep apnea asthma incontinence gallbladder disease and depression.
In addition, obesity raises the likelihood of an early death from heart attack, stroke or certain types of cancer”. According to the Stanford Hospital and Clinic, obesity also contributes to an estimated 300,000 premature deaths every year. Along with health issues, obesity can lead to a lack of self esteem, bullying, and possible suicidal thoughts. A sin tax to prevent obesity could reduce the possibility of contracting these ailments that are associated with obesity.Posted by: AnonymousTaxing will create a better understanding of the obesity problem as well as other issues.
The issue really isn't the "fast" aspect of the food. The true issue with food today is the demand and speed of production. There is such a high demand for meats and other entities that farmers and other industries have resulted in hormone injections and chemical products in order to create a high yield in product. If there was a tax on fast food, which is where the highest demand comes from, then maybe there would be more emphasis on cleaner, healthier alternatives that haven't been stuffed with things that are creating health issues. A good read to understand the situation The Omnivore's Dilemma.
Posted by: AnonymousHigh cost of healthcare
The government needs to get involved with what we eat because they are setting themselves up to be the ones to control the cost of healthcare. There is a finite limit to the funds that are available. The tax should not be on fast food as a whole but items with little nutritional value that cause the massive obesity problems. People will still elect to pay for these items but the money can go to the healthcare system which they will certainly benefit from at a later date.
Posted by: AnonymousCheap things are most enticing
I'm doing my English coursework on this topic. People won't buy things if they cost too much and they will try healthy cheap alternatives. Also, saying healthy food should be more affordable is ridiculous because there are many great savings out there. Many Americans are obese, it's simply a fact. One of the main reasons is because the junk food. It is mostly half the price of organic fruits and vegetables. So people need to have to pay the same or more fore junk food.
Posted by: AnonymousI am a poster child for the Obesity Epidemic
I absolutely support adding a special tax to fast food and sodas, candy bars, chips. It might help to discourage people from eating unhealthy foods and the tax should go toward the medical costs that this whole country will be facing as the obesity epidemic grows. They did it with cigarettes, why not junk food?
Posted by: Anonymousi think people would eat out less
with the way the economy is today people are trying to save by buying in bulk or sticking with essentials only buying locally made products too cause their sometimes cheaper. right now fast food seems cheaper
Posted by: AnonymousHealthy foods should be cheaper
People do not eat healthy foods because they are more expensive than junk foods. If junk foods were more expensive, maybe they will turn to healthy foods instead. If healthy foods were cheaper, people would be more encouraged to eat healthier, thus reducing the obesity issues in the United States.
Posted by: sharry.fernandezPeople only buy it because it is cheap.
Obese people and poorer minorities buy unhealthy foods because they cannot afford healthy fruits and vegetables. If the prices were taken out of the equation and the general public was more educated on nutrition, people would be more inclined to pick the healthier choice, especially if they cost the same.
Posted by: AnonymousMaking fast foods and unhealthy foods more expensive will help combat obesity issues in the U.S., because some people would no longer be able to afford it.
Yes, having a tax on fast foods and other junk foods would help with obesity in the United States. Yet, at the same time, there would have to be a huge effort in lowering the prices for healthy foods. The fast foods and junk food tax probably would just make a poor person's life more miserable, if healthy and cheaper options weren't available.
Posted by: PointlessElbert47It would have far reaching effects.
Before you just think that it will effect poor people, think about the local farmers that will be able to sell their produce more easily due to their competition essentially having a tariff. Keeping people in business is only one of the many far reaching benefits this action will have beyond what has been previously stated.
Posted by: AnonymousPush in The Right Direction
Humans are animals of habit and it would take something large to move that person in the right direction. If the government were to tax junk food it would make people upset but it would push them toward cheaper healthier foods. If people still buy as much junk food ever after the tax is implemented, all that money could go into helping people with diet related diseases.
Posted by: joeymets22Yes, people need to cut back on unhealthy products!
Taxing fast food restaurants is the key. Most people will disagree, for the food is cheap and easy to access. If the government would start taxing fast food it would make everyone think before they buy anything. The reason why most low wage people are obese is because the food is cheap, so raise the price and you will see a difference. People say it won't make a difference. How do you know? If you don't have the money for it how can you possibly get it? Therefore, people would start eating healthier and live longer too. More and more people are dying from overweight issues.
Posted by: AnonymousThe Price affects the taste
Many Americans are obese, it's simply a fact. One of the main reasons is because the junkfood is mostly half the price of organic fruits and vegetables. If the price of junkfood and healthy food were switched, many people would start buying the fruits and vegetables instead. Imagine driving up to a fastfood restuarant as many people do, and see that a hambuger is ten dollars. Would you buy it? Of course not. Then you walk in to the grocery store and see the produce section groceries are the price of regular fastfood. Wouldn't you rather save money and be healthy rather than spend hundreds of dollars on junkfood and soft drinks?
Posted by: AnonymousObesity
Taxing junk food would lower the money spent on diet-related issues, lower the rate of child obesity, and increase the age expectancy rate. According to the McClatchy Newspapers, $150 billion are spent on health care annually to pay for the diet-related diseases. Plus, health care costs twice as much as it did ten years ago. Not only does taxing junk food cut the costs of health care, but it also will bring in more money from the taxes on the food. Another big issue is child obesity rates. American Forces Information Service News Article states that schools pay to bring in junk food to feed the children, when in reality paying for healthier food would cost just as much, and it would benefit the kids. 1 in 3 children born since 2000 will get diabetes. And, according to the American Diabetes Association, if one twin in a set of twins has diabetes, there is a 75% chance the other twin will get diabetes. With people eating badly, they are dying earlier from heart diseases.
Posted by: AnonymousDeter the common people from eating fast food
Creating a high tax on fast food and using these funds to subsidize costs for basic foods such as unprocessed veggies, unprocessed meat and healthier choices of food such as wholemeal or low fat items would help combat obesity issues. The only people then who can continue to afford the fast food are also the ones who can afford their own healthcare, while forcing most middle - low class families to start to shift towards healthier alternatives. Obesity should be an individual problem, not a national one.
People worrying about the job stability of people in fast food chains will most likely find jobs in supermarkets, grocers and other outlets which would most likely expand as a result of the tax.
This should also extend to all junk food.Posted by: Anonymousstop right now
More healthy people and less health care. This a great way to stop obesity in this country, also if there is less health care it would save a lot of money to the government. I'm not saying that junk food is bad and you can't eat I'm saying that people should have a balanced diet. But people take advantage of this and eat like pigs. So that's why we need to have a higher taxes on junk/fast food
Posted by: AnonymousYes, tax junk food!
The tax would make you think twice before buying the item. It would be nice if they could somehow use that tax money toward lower the price of healthy foods, things like whole fruits and vegetables. I know that I have often had a few dollars and was looking for the biggest bang for my buck, thus choosing a box of brownie snacks where I get 10 for $1.50. If they had cost more, I may have gone with applesauce for $2.00.
Sometimes people just need a little incentive too.Posted by: AnonymousIt might lower obesity in the US, but there is a more important reason for an unhealthy food tax.
Unhealthy food and obesity are linked to a plethora of expensive medical conditions, including the most expensive: heart disease and diabetes. The tax revenue generated could be funneled into Medicare to support it. I do not believe that a minor increase in price would deter people from purchasing unhealthy food, unfortunately.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople would have no other choice but to buy healthy food.
The main reason people eat so poorly now and thus are obese, is because the cheapest food is the processed fast food that provides no significant nutrients to the body. For some odd reason, junk food is way cheaper and way more convenient than healthy food today in America. When in reality it should be just the opposite. It should be the norm that healthy food is the best option, not junk food- and one way to change that is by imposing a tax.
Posted by: AnonymousThe reasons people do not choose healthier foods today...
is because of money, another is of convenience. If taxes are placed on fast foods to make them more expensive, then people will be driven to seek out healthier foods as they are less expensive. Therefore eating healthier foods will combat obesity.
i think people would eat out less with the way the economy is today people are trying to save by buying in bulk or sticking with essentials only buying locally made products too cause their sometimes cheaper. right now fast food seems cheaper
Making fast foods and unhealthy foods more expensive will help combat obesity issues in the U.S., because some people would no longer be able to afford it. Yes, having a tax on fast foods and other junk foods would help with obesity in the United States. Yet, at the same time, there would have to be a huge effort in lowering the prices for healthy foods. The fast foods and junk food tax probably would just make a poor person's life more miserable, if healthy and cheaper options weren't available.
Posted By: PointlessElbert47
Yes The federal government needs to stop paying attention to all the food lobbyists and do what is right for the American people. Cheap fast food and many unhealthy foods that contain unhealthy products are subsidized by the gov't. The government needs to make healthy fruits and vegetables cheaper so that the average American can afford to spend their money purchasing real food instead of food that will ultimately lead them to obesity and a life on medication.
Posted By: Anonymous
Sin taxes already exist on unhealthy items; it can be extended to unhealthy food. "Sin tax" is already widely applied to many substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. Food containing absolutely no nutritional value, or food that is quantifiably unhealthy, should also be subject to these taxes. By making the unhealthy food more expensive, healthy food will be cheaper in comparison, which would result in more people choosing more healthy food options.
Posted By: RaymoCanyons
Yes, taxing fast food and similar food products would create additional incentive for consumers to eat healthier. But it would also penalize some poor people. Taxes do seem to affect consumer behavior. Witness the decline of smokers as a proportion of the population over the past few decades, from a prevalence of about 45 percent to perhaps 20 or 25 percent today (a great public health victory). There seems to be little question, furthermore, that fast food, based on fat, poor nutritional content, and other factors, carries risks that can contribute to obesity and other chronic health problems. But those consumers who continue to purchase fast food, out of habit, preference, or convenience (insofar as fast food producers do not offer many healthier alternatives), will be penalized, and many of these consumers are poor. This option should therefore not be ruled out, but it should not be the only policy option on the table, nor should it be implemented in a cavalier fashion.Posted by: AnonymousYes, a tax is a real way of combating the obesity epidemic.
Anything that will help with this problem deserves a chance. The more ways we can deter people that purchase unhealthy foods the better. The obesity epidemic is a major issue, and something needs to be done immediately. This is a great start. Those who buy unhealthy foods often do it because it is cheap. If the price goes up, they may think twice.
Posted by: AnonymousHealthy food is more expensive.
If unhealthy food were more expensive than healthy food then it would make those who already eat healthy happier and those who eat unhealthy would have a cheaper, better option. If someone doesn't want to change their unhealthy lifestyle, then they won't. I can't, you can't, their husband/wife, father, mother, sister, brother, children, boss, dog, cat, or anyone else can't change their mind. That's up to them and God (or whoever they believe in, no offense meant to anyone). Regardless, by keeping money in their pockets you're enticing the idea. Not to mention they'll have to buy less food if they're buying healthy food because it keeps you fuller longer and fills you up faster as well. I know I'd rather eat 40 strawberries than a chocolate bar and a soda.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Taxing junk food would lower the money spent on diet-related issues, lower the rate of child obesity, and increase the age expectancy rate. According to the McClatchy Newspapers, $150 billion are spent on health care annually to pay for the diet-related diseases. Plus, health care costs twice as much as it did ten years ago. Not only does taxing junk food cut the costs of health care, but it also will bring in more money from the taxes on the food. Another big issue is child obesity rates. American Forces Information Service News Article states that schools pay to bring in junk food to feed the children, when in reality paying for healthier food would cost just as much, and it would benefit the kids. 1 in 3 children born since 2000 will get diabetes. And, according to the American Diabetes Association, if one twin in a set of twins has diabetes, there is a 75% chance the other twin will get diabetes. With people eating badly, they are dying earlier from heart diseases.
Posted by: AnonymousFatty Tax
I think that over the past four years,more and more Americans and Canadians are becoming obese because of unhealthy foods.By marketing lowering their essential prices on junk food,people are becoming "bigger" by eating junk foods.I say yes to "Fat Tax" and let the people of our world be thin.No more unhealthy food!
Posted by: AnonymousWant vs Need
Its very simple, we have a want vs need problem with junk food. If Junk food was made more expensive through taxes, then the over all demand of it would go down, as some people who casually enjoy junk food, would probably choose not to spend money on it any more.
Posted by: Anonymous
There should not be a tax on unhealthy foods because it could have a negative economic impact.
Are you serious, people? Yes, okay, it may help, but you can't predict this. The higher the price the fewer buyers will be, and more money will be wasted on stupid government!
How do you know that the extra money (tax) will be put to good use? Governments say, "We will have the tax to help in creating more roads and houses." How do you know it will not just be sent to the government for things we don't need?
Will this tax make obese people stay away from these stores? No! It's a little tax. The question is, will it do anything? I don't think so. But if it does, this may make buyers and customers say, 'No more junk food, it's just too expensive." Do you realize that this could effect stores like this, and eventually the stores may have to close? People could lose jobs or not earn as much money as they did before this stupid tax. So let's leave it to you to make your own decisions!Posted by: AnonymousI think the people saying yes only see the side of because people are obese. They're not thinking of the other people who are fit/skinny.
I'm doing a debate on this exact topic, and I'm on the negative side, which means I am obviously against this decision, although I do think that this is a fairly complicated topic.
Firstly, our freedom of choice as the public is being taken away. It is up to ourselves to decide, basically up to the decision as an individual of society. Obesity and being overweight is indeed part of genetics, and others may not be able to control themselves with junk food compared to others. I don't know about over there in America, but I live in Australia, and whenever we pay for ANYTHING, we have this thing called GST. It's basically tax, 10% of the total added to the original amount of whatever we buy. So if we do go with this thing, it's really unfair because we kind of are already paying for tax for junk food, and I completely find this unreasonable. We will then be paying DOUBLE tax for junk food of all things. Anyone else think this is stupid?
Not only this, but I strongly believe that the prevention of obesity can be tackled in other, more reasonable options. Don't ask what, because I'm still coming up with some and it's my first time debating. EVER.
Maybe more constant advertisement campaigns which are kind of 'scaring' the obese into getting fit. I know this sounds mean, but again here in Australia, we have some pretty major commercials on smoking, drink driving and not putting your seat-belt on. And I must admit it is VERY scary. They will explain how in very clear detail how you can die, or trying to kill yourself. Same thing with eating basically.Posted by: AnonymousNo, putting a higher tax on fast foods and other unhealthy foods would not help the country-wide obesity issues.
No, putting a higher tax on fast foods and other unhealthy foods would not help the country-wide obesity issues. The problem with putting a tax on fast food items is that there is too much to take into account, such as the amount of calories in the rest of the diet, how often fast food is consumed and how frequently they eat this type of food. Plus, putting a high tax rate on fast food items would not only take part in hurting the economy, it would only affect the light eaters. This tax will most likely not affect the people who already eat fast food too often and are overweight. They already realize that this food is not good for them.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, because cheeseburgers used to be 4 or 5 for a dollar now they are a dollar each or more
Back in the 70's you could get five McDonald's burgers for a dollar, now they are a .99 cents each. And back then we didn't have so much a weight problem but now we do and even the Big Mac is $5 dollars each. People will pay for what they want no matter the cost. I know I would even if it was $10. I would still get as many as I could afford and I'm 300 lbs. It's not about money, it is about tastes. I will go without a car to get food because of the way it makes me feel good. If the government would spend more money on fixing people instead of tearing them down we would live in a better world. What we need is for big companies to come in and provide jobs give to us incentive to work. Get us off unemployment and welfare/food stamps. Give us pride about ourselves so we can make a life for our families and their future, instead of keeping us down where our only luxury is taking this weeks rent check and wasting it on Big Macs because we are so depressed we need to feel good in anyway we can.
Posted by: AnonymousUnfair Tax
Just because junk food is bad for people who suffer obesity, shouldn't mean that everyone who enjoys the quick, cheap service fast food offers. People who are always in a hurry, or people short on cash may find fast food an ideal service, but if it is taxed due to obesity, then it will also affect people who aren't obese.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is bad.
It would be bad because nobody wants it to be more expensive and stuff and then everyone will be sad and unhappy and no one will love you and you may become depressed and/or commit suicide ending in bad things for everyone so just don't do it please thanes for the support.
Posted by: AnonymousRidiculous
How fair is that for people like me who eat junk regularly and are naturally skinny? No! Not everyone becomes obese because of junk food. I have friends who eat quite a lot of junk everyday just like me and are stick thin. I've seen pudgy people eating only "healthy" foods. The food Nazis better calm the heck down... Gosh I'm scared for this country.
Posted by: AnonymousWhen you are hungry price and taxes don't matter.
If a person is far from home he is not going to think about how much he has to pay for food if he is hungry. He will enter the fast food restaurant and order a meal because he wants to eat and home is too far. I don't think that a person stops to see how much he is paying for that food. If a person is hungry, he or she will buy food no matter what taxes or prices he has to pay. So taxes will not combat obesity in the U.S.
Posted by: AnonymousThere are other issues.
The homeless rate within Australia is through the roof, yet here we are arguing over junk food. This is ridiculous. Stop using tax like it’s a weapon. Why would you charge more for bad foods when you could lower the price of healthy foods to make them way more appealing.
Posted by: AnonymousWon't Affect Everyone
Though it seems like a great idea, the only people that would be affected are poor people and those who are keen with money. The wealthy, upper class people in society will shrug upon the tax and keep eating what they would like. Its a matter of the individual- whether he/she would like themselves to change.
Posted by: AnonymousIt won't make a difference.
It's hard to define what junk food actually is. That makes this tax hard to maintain and control. The reason why there are taxes on cigarettes and alcohol is because they are harmful to society. Also, having junk food is a personal choice, and I think most people would still buy junk food even with the tax.
Posted by: AnonymousPoor people would not be able to afford it
The junk food tax is really just a tax on the poor. If someone goes to eat lunch, let’s say there are 2 options: a $1 cheeseburger from McDonalds, or a $3 salad. If the proposed tax is to be put into place, let’s say they add $1 to the price of the cheeseburger, and then take that dollar and reduce the price of the salad. This would make both options cost the same: $2. The people who are proposing this tax are the people that go to the store with $4 or $5 to spend, and can afford either at either price. But what about the poor people, who have only $1 or $1.50 to spend on lunch? They walk in and see that they could afford a cheeseburger. This is what they buy, because they cannot afford a $3 salad. If the prices change so both options cost $2, the poor person who walks into the store with $1 to spend will not be able to eat anything at all, regardless of the nutritional value. They now have 2 options. They could: A) Starve because they can no longer afford food prices, or B) they can steal, which will land them in jail. Neither of these are beneficial, so neither is the tax.
Posted by: AnonymousI oppose imposing a higher tax of fast food because our economy cannot handle any more expenses for daily life.
The unemployment rate is at an average of 10% nation wide, and I do not think that eating healthier should be put above eating at all for those that are on limited incomes.
Posted by: Ch4ddMcImposing a tax on fast foods will hurt many U.S. workers.
This tax won't help at all. This is just another scam to earn more money! There's no way people will spend extra money to buy fast food, and that makes it hard for people working in the fast food industry to earn money and pay for our the important things our children need. Have mercy on us! That's all I have to say.
Posted by: AnonymousFast food is convenient because it is easy and cheap to get;
Making it more expensive will encourage other foods to be eaten. One of the reasons people do not choose healthier foods today is because of money, another is of convenience. If taxes are placed on fast foods to make them more expensive, then people will be driven to seek out healthier foods as they are less expensive. Therefore eating healthier foods will combat obesity.
Posted by: AnonymousGovernment taking our right of choice
If the government is going to take away the right of its people to be free to choose what we want to eat and why we want to eat it by adding large amounts of tax onto these so called "fatty foods" then what other things will they take away? Right to choose what car we drive?
Posted by: AnonymousI don't believe higher taxes on fast food and unhealthy foods would help combat obesity in the U.S. because people would just find other cheap unhealthy foods to eat.
I do not believe that imposing higher taxes on fast food and unhealthy foods would combat obesity in the U.S. because people would just find other sources of cheap unhealthy foods. Higher taxes would impact privately held companies in a negative manner and their profits would decline. This would close stores and restaurants and the unemployment rate would increase, which is never a good thing.
Posted by: MycCra2iiFast food: convenient, easy.
I understand that taxpayers pay for the publicly funded health care system and that obesity costs a lot of money, but taxing fast foods and unhealthy products is not going to stop obesity, and it definitely won't stop teenagers from buying unhealthy foods.
Making tobacco illegal and taxing cigarettes has not stopped lung cancer, sickness, artery clogs, and many more. And I believe taxing unhealthy food items will not solve any of the causes mentioned in the article, especially taxpayers money. Obesity is mainly caused by poor eating choices, but it is also caused by the way you were brought up; how your family ate, where they ate etc. In this sense, taxing bad food choices will not stop families from eating unhealthy or in front of the couch, but would most likely anger certain families, and teenagers. Teenagers usually eat unhealthy because it tastes good! The bank accounts of many adolescences is not one to be living off of, and that is why teenagers pick fast food. Because it is "tasty", cheap, and convenient. Taxing certain foods will not make teenagers go to a grocery store and buy an apple, or salad.
If anything, the taxpayers should be protesting against this cause. What does the government tax first? Which grocery items are considered "unhealthy"? When does taxing specific items stop? Which fast food chains do the taxes affect? I imagine if this happens the fast food industry will be very upset, especially if they begin to lose money. In the long run, if the government and taxpayers want to tax unhealthy foods, I believe they should first lower the prices on healthy foods.Posted by: AnonymousNo Tax
People will do what people want to do and what they have always done. Putting a tax on fatty food and fast foods will cause job losses and just anger people. In turn, we will have more people in poverty and dying of malnutrition instead of obesity. If the government really wants to work on obesity they should focus on the young and poor. Give to those in greater need and promote healthy diets and exercise to kids in school. A simple thing as educating kids starting in kindergarten through 12th grade about nutrition and the importance in exercising would have a much greater impacted on obesity levels then a stupid "fat tax". The government has to many laws breaking us from our freedom already lets not let them take away what we eat as well!
Posted by: DeeDee92I think a high tax on fast foods would deter people from eating them and hopefully help our country fight obesity.
Imposing a high tax on fast foods is a good idea, in the same way that cigarettes are taxed much higher. These are non-necessary items that are contributing to the deterioration of people's health in the United States. Unfortunately, fast food is currently readily available and inexpensive, so people use that as an excuse. If we tax fast food and make it harder to acquire, people would have no choice but to get healthier and stop wasting their money on junk.
Posted by: D35GeneralIt is called self control people.
I to am the poster child for obesity, but that is not the fault of the fast food industry. It is the fault of my left arm. It bends to my mouth. When I learn enough self control to stop that habit, I will loss some weight. The main people that this tax will hurt are the people that can least afford it, the poor. There is no shame in food stamps (EBT) for people that truly need it. Maybe if some people came off there high horse long enough to see the struggles of the average to low income person, they would see just how wrong this tax is. Don't judge people, educate them.
Posted by: AnonymousNot Gonna Help
The junk food tax won't help anyone. If you went to the store and saw your favorite brand of snacks, chips or anything else, marked up by a dollar, you would be more likely to give up another dollar for that food than to stop eating it altogether. It's not really what you eat, it's the question of, "Do you exercise to work it off?" People are able to eat anything they want, just as long as they able to work it off. You must keep in mind that there are people who can only afford these kinds of food, and this tax would only make their life harder. What would really be helpful is increasing the overall physical activity of the people, or making fruits and vegetables more available to the populace.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople will still eat unhealthy foods and live unhealthy lifestyles even with such a tax, because much of the obesity problem is genetic.
The fact of the matter is that obesity is either a genetic predisposition, or a choice that becomes so ingrained that it is only removable with extreme prejudice. Making people pay a tax on unhealthy food will not get them to stop eating it. It will just make it more difficult for them to obtain, so they will just make it themselves. Even if it did get people to eat more healthy food, it would not stop them from being couch potatoes and inactive people, thus, it would not really combat much of anything.
Posted by: MariaRIt's Not About Health
For many people who are obese, have diabetes, bad cholesterol, etc., there are other factors in weight loss. As the "Twinkie Diet guy" says in this article: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html, it's not really what you eat, but how many calories you eat versus how many you burn. The biggest issues with fast food it that people eat too much, not that the food is bad for you. While I agree that fast food is not healthy, it is not the reason why people are fat. People are overweight because, in many cases, they lack self-control. The government should not try to teach its citizens to curb their appetites by taxation. It simply won't fix the problems, and will create more, such as a regressive tax for poor people.
Posted by: AnonymousSelf control is key
Well I disagree based on many realizations, firstly higher taxes on fast food would impact our less privileged population negatively, expensive or "higher quality" food is not an option for people who are already struggling just to support themselves, it would devastate them by hiking up the price on readily available food for them which sometimes is the only option. Secondly it will not cut obesity, obesity is something that needs to be tackled personally through a good diet and EXCERCISE! Not just simply making things a bit more pricey, just because something is a little bit more expensive wont stop someone from going out to get it if they want it that bad. Thirdly this kind of decision should not be taken solely by the government but on a popular decision 9 times out of ten the revenue generated would end up going to waste or to fuel another war in another godforsaken desert. Obesity is an epidemic and i struggled through it during my early teen years, i weighed in at 254lbs at my heaviest and after a year of dedication and making right diet decisions im at 186lbs lean and muscular there is no magic potion you can drink to lose weight or by hiking up taxes the decision must be made by an individual and not the Govt. Self control is key.
Posted by: AnonymousI oppose a high tax on fast foods to combat obesity because it is too similar to the failed high tax on cigarettes to combat smoking.
The government imposed a high tax on cigarettes to decrease smoking. This tax hurt poor people the most economically, while it did not decrease smoking. The poor are the most likely to eat fast food, and it will disproportionately harm them while not addressing the issue of the content of fast food.
Posted by: SqualidVaughnI do not feel that imposing a high tax on unhealthy foods will help combat obesity in the U.S., because the solution lies in making healthy food affordable.
I do not feel that imposing a high tax on unhealthy foods will help combat obesity in the U.S. I feel it would be a much better solution to make healthy food more affordable. It is more than double the price to eat a healthy and fresh diet. Lower the price of healthier food, and people will be more likely to buy and consume them than they would be to consume the unhealthy alternative.
Posted by: TickoCa22It Wouldn't Be Fair To The Companies!
The fast food companies who would have to put a sales tax on their food would get fewer buyers and lose money. They wouldn't get the money that the taxes provide the government. If anything less people would buy their food and they will lose income. It wouldn't be right!
Posted by: AnonymousTaxing fast food higher would not be the right way to fight obesity.
Obesity is not caused by fast food. Obesity is caused by people overeating. If someone wants fast food, they are going to buy it whether or not it has a high tax. This wouldn't help with obese people; it would be more likely to deter normal weight people from eating at fast food restaurants. Its unfair to do this its just another way for the government to control its people.
Posted by: B3rkIffyI believe people who want to eat unhealthy fast food would be willing to pay a higher tax if it was imposed.
I do not believe that imposing a high tax on fast food would deter people who really want to eat unhealthy foods that help cause obesity. As far as I am concerned, this is just more government interference in our private lives. People must learn to be responsible for their own health and that of their children. There is no way that good eating habits can be legislated.
Posted by: R0d0FerdyI oppose a high tax on fast foods and other unhealthy foods to combat obesity because it is a persons choice to purchase such foods. It also infringes on those who cannot afford healthy food.
My supporting evidence is that it just makes it harder for family's who cannot afford to support their family on fresh produce and meats. Often a family of 5 can spend only $20 to feed their family. On a low income that would not be able to buy fresh meat, fruits and vegetables. A high tax hurts those who need to feed family's with fast food. One can also argue that people who choose such foods make that choice and that the food is not necessarily a direct cause of obesity. It simply just doesn't help if you eat that food and do not eat healthy and exercise. So a high tax will only hurt people's pockets and not force them to buy healthy.
Posted by: EdseIChooseNo, I do not agree that imposing a high tax on fast and other unhealthy foods would help combat obesity issues, because people are still going to eat them anyway.
No, I do not agree that imposing a high tax on fast and other unhealthy foods would help combat obesity issues, because people are still going to eat them anyway. When we put high taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, that did not stop anyone. Putting high taxes on fast food may make a small dent in obesity rates, but I think we need to convince the fast food companies to change their recipes.
Posted by: SecondNoel50It is the people's fault.
The fast food restaurants just want to make some money and what better way than to leech it off some hungry customers that want something to eat. The customers are the buyers and they will buy the food. It is entirely THEIR choice to eat the food and if they want to eat it they can buy it. The restaurants just put their most popular foods down at lower prices so they can buy more IF THEY WANT.
It is entirely their choice. The store provides, the customer buys. It's been that way for centuries.Posted by: AnonymousJunk food tax should not be imposed
Raising the junk food tax would levy the cost of a burger from $2 to $5. This is unfathomable. Businesses would close the following day, thousands would lose their jobs, and 10 % of Australians are already unemployed. The consumer would just switch to something else that is cheap, and just as unhealthy then.
Posted by: AnonymousThe cost of good food is already expensive
If we raise the tax on fast food it will then cost the same price as food that is good for you cancelling out the tax making people stick to what they know and love. Fast food places will just earn more income and be able to make bigger, better restaurants with more locations so people can get fat.
Posted by: AnonymousNo a high tax on fast food would not help combat obesity. As it is more akin to an addiction than anything else.
People who are already obese have bad eating habits. Those habits are not going to change them just because the food is more expensive. They will find the extra money and moan about the price of food. The people who grow up after the tax is introduced will just see the same sort of price they always have. In the UK, higher taxes have been tried on both alcohol and tobacco without any real success in reducing consumption of alcohol or tobacco. Why should food be any different?
Posted by: M GonzalesIt is none of their business.
It's had only limited success with optional addictions (e.g., tobacco), and a high tax won't change the fact that fast food is easy, quick, and cheap. I mean, really, how high of a tax are we talking about here? It would have to be 100% or more to act as a serious deterrent for most fast food. We're talking about places with dollar menus. Paying 30 or 40 more cents for my McDouble is not going to make me waste the gas money and go home, nor will it inspire me to go shell out $5 for a sandwich at Subway when I can get McDonald's for less than $3.
And it's all a moot point anyways, because the nanny government has no business telling me what I can and can't eat.Posted by: AnonymousJust as with cigarettes and alcohol, people will pay what they have to in order to obtain the foods and other things they want.
Consider the example of cigarettes. Taxes have added several dollars to the cost of a pack, yet people continue to smoke. Fast foods are nearly as addictive as nicotine, and people will be willing to pay a higher price in order to get what they want. This is actually good news for the taxing authorities, as they will raise revenue this way.
Posted by: laceymaryaAgainst taxing unhealthy food!!
There is no reason to tax unhealthy food if people are fat and/or obsessed then they can get off their couch and go for a walk. Not everyone is obsessed so it's not fair to the skinny people so therefore it isn't a reason for taxing food that we love!!!!
Posted by: AnonymousIt Will Make People Loose Jobs
Many people work at McDonald's and other fast food chains! This is what's going to happen. If the fast food chains get taxed, regular customers won't be so "regular" anymore. In short, customers won't be coming anymore or won't eat as much because they will not like the prices on their regular food. This will make the restaurants lose money. Then workers trying to get some money to stay alive will lose their jobs and become homeless or worse.
Posted by: AnonymousAddiction
People are addicted to these unhealthy foods. Do you really think a small tax would prevent them from getting what they want? Plus, it's not the junk food that people are eating that is causing obesity, it's the amount. Some people have no self control. And no tax would fix that issue. The only effect this tax would have is angering those who eat fast food in moderation for it's cheap price.
Posted by: Anonymousnever again
we should not have a tax on fast food because its fast food, where can we get food that is quick to get and tasty. how would teenagers afford to get it if they dont have a job. so this is why there shouldnt be a tax on fast. if the people buy it they should know it is unhealthy,
Posted by: AnonymousPoor people can't afford to be taxed more!
By increasing the price of fast food, the poor people who cannot afford to buy healthier food will also not be able to buy fast food. Instead of introducing a tax on fast food, I believe that healthier food should be subsidized and that the government should set up better facilities for people in need of help or people with financial difficulties.
Posted by: AnonymousFast Food Is Good For You
According to Dr. Anne Selley, fast food is good for you in an academic way. She says that it really does help increase your intellegence level really high. A test was conducted on rats to prove this theory. The more sugary and fatty foods they ate, the quicker they could get through really difficult puzzles.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople may lose weight, but...
Imposing high tax on fast foods would create another problem for people who are unable to afford healthy and expensive food. When people aren't spending (even in the smallest amounts) then the economy can go down the drain because a lot of people aren't simply spending their money. .. ...
Posted by: AnonymousThe Companies also have Rights.
Imagine that you have a restaurant that sells pizzas. But then the government makes a new law that puts a tax on your pizza. Consumers that had loved your pizza for the low price will reduce. Eventually, your restaurant will close and you will have huge financial losses. On this point, the government is violating the company's rights to freely sell to the citizens. Not only violating the rights, it can also influence the fast food markets that are actually a huge market especially on U.S.
Posted by: AnonymousThey will just find it elsewhere.
It doesn't matter how much something that is "bad for you" costs, unless the cost of healthy foods is lowered, people will just go with whatever is cheapest. If the cheapest thing is a healthy meal but still costs $5 for a little bit of food, they will start to buy other things that are cheaper. The response to obesity in America isn't to tax what is bad, but to promote what is good. It is like training a dog or raising a child. Negative reinforcement doesn't go nearly as far as positive reinforcement.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy?
Why is it the government's business getting involved in what we eat? We need to work on getting more jobs not what we should be eating. To me it just seems like there are much much more important things than if we should be taxing junk food. Also yes we a dependent on places like McDonald's but taxing their food isn't going to make any of us skinnier what's done is done we need to promote exercise and get more kids involved in sports and athletics and promote healthy diets
Posted by: AnonymousNone of their concern.
The U.S. Government needs to stop assuming all of this power they say they have. This is the land of the free. Not home of the dictating government. We lead our own lives, and the government does not own us. If people choose something bad for themselves, that is their fault. If it doesnt affect others, LEAVE IT ALONE.
Posted by: AnonymousNo the food we have is fine
No the food is not always bad and we can buy the own food. We pay for the food we should be able to eat what we played for. The food we have now a days is not are fault. We should not have tax go up are food is fine for us and it's are chose what we eat not what other people have. This is why I think this.
Posted by: AnonymousCitizens are losing self control.
When the government takes responsibility from its citizens to make their own choices (as it has been doing in many areas) the people lose self control, therefore the people won't have the self control to eat other healthy foods, that do not taste as good, but will settle on the fast, tasty, unhealthy food even if it is more.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople's Choice
Is it our choice as U.S Citizens to choose what we want to eat. And for many people fast food is something they get when they are traveling and would like a quick meal are you going to punish them? Also what happens when we put a high tax on junk food and fast food? People will be spending more money and they businesses will be getting even less and many business will be failing...Yes i agree there is a lot of McDonald's but they employ so many people and that is who this tax will be hurting so now we will have even more people unemployed? I don't think so but this is just my opinion
Posted by: DylanPitts