Tax fat, subsidise health ?

[Doc Alan]

A " fat tax " could be applied to everyone with a BMI over 30 - but that would never be accepted ! ( BMI can't be universally applied as a measure of obesity, and overweight non-smokers / non-drinkers in the UK might feel they deserve treatment for health complications of their lifestyle choice ).
It's true fats aren't all bad - although they all contain the same levels of calories. It's the saturated fats such as those in dairy products and processed foods, and chemically altered trans fats ( also in processed foods ) which are bad in excess.
Protein and carbohydrates, salt in moderation, and roughage ( fruit and vegetables ) all contribute to healthy eating ... the problem is that members who bother to read this thread - and educated members of the public - know that already ! Also with Christmas approaching it's hard always to be sensible with eating , drinking and exercising .
A tax on unhealthy foods is only one possibility for dealing with an epidemic of obesity which increasingly individuals and governments can't afford. In September Hungary introduced taxes on a range of pre-packaged unhealthy foods with high salt and sugar content. But already food producers and others have criticised them, saying they're discriminatory, will hurt local businesses, and will affect poorer people disproportionately. Nutritional experts say that even if a vast range of foods are taxed, eating habits are unlikely to change - if someone wants a particular product they will have it, or something similar, no matter what.
The " experts " are not always right, but WHO ( World Health Organisation ) says there are question marks over the effectiveness of taxes limited to a narrow range of products - and very few countries have so far gone down the taxation route.
This debate will run and run - even if not on the forum. We all know the consequences of too many calories and too little exercise. It's how to tackle the problem successfully - all the more ironic and sad when malnutrition is also a problem, particularly in the Philippines.

[lastlid]

In September Hungary introduced taxes on a range of pre-packaged unhealthy foods with high salt and sugar content. But already food producers and others have criticised them, saying they're discriminatory.........

Perhaps it will force food manufacturers (of pre prepared foods etc) to lower the harmful element in the products.......if so then good!

[gWaPito]

I agree with the comment about processed foods...that comes under my 'Junk foods' heading along with foods high in salt and sugar ie processed foods.

Since Jane arrived here 2 years ago this December 6 freshly made food made from raw ingredients makes up to nearly all my food intake.