So according to the article, “Study Shows Fat Tax Is Ideal To Cut Obesity Rates,” the latest and greatest way to deal with what is commonly referred to as the obesity epidemic is to create a fat tax. http://news.softpedia.com/news/Study-Shows-Fat-Tax-Is-Ideal-to-Cut-Obesity-Rates-166345.shtml
Are these people for real? The “proposal suggests treating foods high in fat, salt and sugar in the same way as tobacco, where advertising is restricted and price has been pushed up, will discourage use.” I think the jury is still out on that one because all those die-hard cigarette smokers out there are still buying cigarettes and smoking a pack a day because it is what they want to do, regardless of the cost. I do not believe restriction in advertising at this point in the game is going to affect a person’s decision on what they eat, and I certainly do not see “fattening” foods being eliminated from society any time soon.
Of course, the decision for a “fat tax” seems to be geared toward the assumption that people are getting fat mainly because they are overindulging in foods with a lot of fat, sugar, and salt. What about Soso Whaley who only ate McDonald’s for an entire month, lost 10 pounds, and had a 40-point decrease in her cholesterol level?
I am not trying to make the argument that the consumption of fast food, extra salt, and extra sugar does not play a role in a person’s propensity to gain weight or even perhaps be obese. However, I reiterate once again that genetics play just as great a role which we have no control over so the next time I am having a Big Mac Attack I think I will head over to McDonald’s and have one!
Until next time, keep laughing!
Making Light of Being Heavy 