Soda Tax for Obesity?

The obesity epidemic is raging. Roughly one in three adults have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, which is the medical definition of obesity. Obesity in children is increasing at an alarming rate. Over 17% of children ages 12-19 are obese, up from 5% in the late 1970’s. The statistics show that Americans are becoming more obese and a faster rate, which leads to an array of health problems, from high cholesterol and increased heart disease to an increased incidence of type-2 diabetes.

Many ideas have been explored to combat this trend – national health awareness programs and education is a start, though some more drastic ideas have been proposed. One of these ideas is the soda tax.

Studies have shown that the number one link between childhood obesity and diet is the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. These include items such as soda that have added sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and other artificial sweeteners.

The proposed tax of a penny-per-ounce on these beverages would be used to offset the health costs associated with obesity-related disease. Supporters of the bill claim that the tax would help deter people from drinking so much soda, and promote the consumption of water and milk among children.

However, opposition to the plan is great. Beverage companies and lobbyists are obviously not behind the idea, stating that it would unfairly hurt sales. They point out that soda is not the only thing in the American diet that causes obesity, and it would be unfair to single them out.

The proposed tax of a penny-per-ounce would increase prices, particularly in packaging of larger quantities. A 2-liter bottle of soda, which on average is priced at about $1.35, would go up $2.02 with the penny-per-ounce tax. A 12-pack of soda, with an average cost of $3.20, would go up 45% to $4.64.

This may seem like a huge increase in prices, but consider this: the average cost of a half-gallon of orange juice is still $3.50. That means that even with the tax it would still be cheaper to buy soda.

So where does that leave us? If the law was passed for a penny-per-ounce or similar tax on sugary soda, would consumers switch to another beverage? And let's not forget diet soda. Would the tax include these beverages as well?

As of now, the proposed soda tax is not included in the health reform bill, nor is it expected to be. President Obama has not pushed for this, though members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged for it. Other health groups like the American Dietetic Association have also shown support for the idea.

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