Persuasive Essay On Fat Taxes

While a fat tax may sound like a good idea to combat obesity, there are many complex problems that need to be addressed. Is a fat tax really fair to everyone? Consumers may avoid the fat tax by simply switching to overeating healthier foods. A high tax on unhealthier foods would not only punish the overweight but also the consumers that live healthier lifestyles. Some unhealthier foods such as salt and sugar are often used as preservatives. It’s also a matter of convenience, a lot of people don’t have the time to go to the grocery store every other day. Foods higher in salt content and sugar last longer than fresh fruit and vegetables. Some low income areas don’t even have access to a lot of fruits and vegetables and their main source of food is high in fat and sugar.

Our choice of food is not the only factor that leads a person to become obese either. Overeating of healthier food choices and a lack of exercise are also contributing factors. Shouldn’t it be the government’s responsibility to better educate and provide more incentives for a healthier America? Maybe it would be better if we rewarded good behaviors, rather than punishing the whole for some individuals bad behaviors.

I believe a fat tax would be ineffective in reducing obesity. There are too many concerns to be addressed and it’s hard to take into account the socioeconomic variables in different areas. Everyone deals with a lot of stress these days, worrying about our children being safe, if we can manage to pay our bills on time, etc. Some poor families can’t afford or don’t even have access to healthier foods. Providing more incentives for consumers would be a better, long term