Dopamine Persuasive Speech

Many critics argue that a sugar tax is unfair because it falls under the same category as the “sin” taxes on alcohol and tobacco, implying that sugary beverages are as bad as a drug. However, there is truth behind these claims. For those that are not aware, dopamine is a natural drug that the brain produces to create a feeling of happiness and satisfaction. It is the drug involved in many natural processes such as sex, love, eating, and exercise. Dopamine is also involved in the “high” that cocaine induces by forcing the release of excess dopamine into the brain. Manufacturers have figured out how to turn soda and other products into designer drugs that can exploit this same reward system of dopamine. Junk food is engineered to enslave its customers, leading to an unhealthy diet filled with sugar, fats, and salt (Engber).

Anything in excess is unhealthy for the body and in today’s society, there is a clear excess of the consumption of sugar which is leading to the many health complications obesity can bring.

Ranging from heart disease to diabetes the consequences of unhealthy eating are well known across the population, yet not much is being done to stop this. According to the World Health Organization, it is projected that by 2030, Diabetes will become the 7th leading cause of death in the world. Why let things spiral out of control and continue postponing a sugar tax? If there is anything that the US government can do is impose this tax. Even if the change is small in comparison to the entire population of the US, these are potential lives being saved. Just like the worst case scenario of smoking is lung cancer, the worst case scenario of obesity is diabetes. Excess sugar should be considered as big of a threat as any other potentially addictive chemical, and should therefore be taxed like one for the safety of the

people.
There are many arguments for and against a sugar tax. Some argue it is unfair because it is regressive and would greatly affect the poor with minimal impact on the upper and middle classes. Others believe it is outright wrong as people have the right to eat and live any way they want. The truth is; however, that there are plenty of consequences if sugar is continually consumed the way it is now and its economic cost does not fall only on the obese, but also on the healthy who pay for the health care with their taxes. If everyone is going to be affected by the negative effects of obesity, then everyone should work together towards fixing the problem. A federal sugar tax may not be the complete solution to the obesity epidemic in the US, but it would sure be, the first step towards healthier, longer lives.