A Fat Tax

Source: Freakonomics.com

I have blogged before about our growing obesity epidemic (pun intended).


Here is an article by Mark Bittman on a 'Fat' Tax. Another related article is found here on the Freakonomics website.


Essentially, the Danes have implemented an excise tax on foods high in saturated fat. At play is a similar principle applied to other unfavorable items. As one increases cost (through taxation), consumption of alcohol and cigarettes decreases. The goal is to decrease the consumption of high fat foods by increasing cost to the consumer. 


Now the rate of obesity in Denmark is significantly lower than the USA, so this is forward thinking indeed. It remains to be seen, however, what impact an excise tax will truly have on both decreasing the consumption of foods high in saturated fat and curbing the obesity trend.


One can quit smoking but one simply cannot quit eating.


Time will tell.