Taxes for Waistlines!

To be overweight or have obesity are both not good for individuals. It is perhaps not considered to be healthy at all. What is analyzed is that to control obesity is very difficult. A study conducted by OECD and WHO suggests that by imposing taxes on unhealthy food, obesity can be controlled. With diabetes on the rise in the GCC states, could taxes be the ultimate solution for controlling increasing obesity?

This study proves and shows that, foods containing high levels of saturated fats; salt; and; sugar should be treated like tobacco, as they can all adversely affect the body’s digestive system. Advertisements should state the harmful effects of such food items and their prices should be increased to highlight the noted concerns. The researchers believe that by taxing unhealthy food items, the current rate of obesity and heart diseases can be reduced in a cost effective manner. The authors of the study state that a multiple-intervention strategy would achieve substantially larger health gains rather than individual interventions, often with a more favorable cost-effectiveness profile. This analysis clearly shows that the strategic approaches that deliver best value for money are improved awareness and information, appropriate fiscal measures and enhanced regulatory mechanisms. I think if, weight control and the management of obesity levels are crucial lifestyle environmental factors that can help create healthier nations.

This research also tells us that, a 10 percent drop in weight can lead to a 10 percent drop in the risk of death. Dr Karim Meeran, Professor of Endocrinology at the Imperial College London, UK reported that, “it is time for governments to step in with policies that encourage healthy behavior, such as the ban or fines on smoking, which in the UK have proven to have positive effects. Policies that encourage people to eat wisely, exercise and lead an active lifestyle are now required to divert a diabetes epidemic.”Perhaps what we see is that taxes can reduce the increasing diabetic and obesity patients all around the world. For this reason, I believe that taxes which are put are thus beneficial for the people themselves.