I recently viewed a show called Tax the Fat (aired on More4). Just like the title suggests it explores the possibility of introducing a tax for being fat. This idea is put forward by Times columnist and restaurant critic Giles Coren who argue that health care for obese people - among other things - are costing the British taxpayers billions of pounds every year. Coren asks if the introduction of a tax for being a lard ass is a reasonable course of action that could solve the obesity dilemma.
This is obviously a highly opinionated documentary with strong personal polemic which may provoke many. On the other hand, I believe that this is a valid question. Most countries have taxes on tobacco and alcohol. This is in part because these products may cause damage to individuals health but it is also enforced to discourage people from buying things that are not good for them. Why should it be any difference between such products and the one's that make people fat? Giles Coren's answer to the problem was to tax individuals according to their BMI. I would deem his approach as a bit unrealistic. Are taxmen supposed to run around with scales when they're checking people’s taxes? And what happens if you are caught cheating on your tax return? People could always claim that they have gained a few pounds after filling in the tax form. Also, let’s not forget that one cannot tell whether a person is very muscular or just a regular fatty using the BMI method. Athletes usually have a very high BMI.
I think it would be more efficient to have a tax on fat food just like the one they have on fags and booze. Even though he does mention this possibility he quickly discards the idea. However, I think this might be part of the solution. Increase taxes on sugar and use the money collected to subsidise vegetables and fresh fruit. How hard could it be?
This is obviously a highly opinionated documentary with strong personal polemic which may provoke many. On the other hand, I believe that this is a valid question. Most countries have taxes on tobacco and alcohol. This is in part because these products may cause damage to individuals health but it is also enforced to discourage people from buying things that are not good for them. Why should it be any difference between such products and the one's that make people fat? Giles Coren's answer to the problem was to tax individuals according to their BMI. I would deem his approach as a bit unrealistic. Are taxmen supposed to run around with scales when they're checking people’s taxes? And what happens if you are caught cheating on your tax return? People could always claim that they have gained a few pounds after filling in the tax form. Also, let’s not forget that one cannot tell whether a person is very muscular or just a regular fatty using the BMI method. Athletes usually have a very high BMI.
I think it would be more efficient to have a tax on fat food just like the one they have on fags and booze. Even though he does mention this possibility he quickly discards the idea. However, I think this might be part of the solution. Increase taxes on sugar and use the money collected to subsidise vegetables and fresh fruit. How hard could it be?
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michelingubbe
ungen ser ut som det
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