As we all know, obesity is on the rise in the industrialized world and the outlook isn't pretty (unless you sell diet pills). Diabetes, heart attacks, joint problems, depression, loss of cognitive abilities, and simply a diminished quality of life can all be caused by carrying too much weight. Hungary went ahead and introduced a tax on particularly bad foods such as chips, cakes, sodas etc. This caused a great outcry amongst the population, saying that it will be lower income segments of society that suffer most, since they spend disproportionally more on food as it is.
The question remains: is a fat tax a good idea? First and foremost, it's a fiscal, not a health initiative. Hungary is basically bankrupt ad needed an IMF bailout package, so new revenue streams are welcome.
Will it change people eating habits? I doubt it; considering how much cigarettes cost, one would think nobody smokes anymore. People are creatures of habit, so they will most likely stick to what they like. More than anything it is a rather stunning development. Does anyone remember the time before 1989 when there was very little to buy in Eastern European stores??? And here we are some 20+ years later, implementing a tax on over-consumption.
Taxes are not the solution to the public health crisis, but the additional revenue is used to combat some of the expenses society is incurring. It's a start.
Above all, we need better education on the subject, clearer labeling of foods and less moralizing. No more finger pointing, confusing "net carbs" labels, and fad diets. Instead, the idea should be that healthy eating is normal and fun as opposed to depriving yourself. After all it makes you feel better, gives you more energy and makes you look better.
Michelle Obama's campaign is a good first step but everyone who is serious about fitness should be an ambassador (in a non-preach way, of course)
Till next time
Maik
 


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