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National & World Issue

Should there be a tax on #soda to help address rising #obesity rates?

Score for this "Yes" opinion : 8.0

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Implementing #Soda Taxation – A Necessary Evil

" Aug 02, 2024

In matters of taxes and policies, differences of opinion are almost inevitable among the general populace. Often, these divergent views become fodder for political maneuvering in Washington D.C., obscuring the truth and essential matters from view. This seems to be the case with the ongoing debate in America about implementing a tax policy on soda products.

Naturally, opinions will be divided on such a sensitive and wide-ranging issue. However, the fact remains that addressing this delicate matter and making tough choices is crucial.

Firmly stated, there must be a tax on soda if the nation hopes to counter the rising tide of diabetes it currently faces.

This assertion is supported by compelling evidence and the facts speak for themselves. Let's put aside bias and political inclinations to examine the available statistics and their implications.

Between 1999 and 2000, the prevalence of obesity in the United States stood at 30.5 percent, while soda consumption was around 50 to 53 gallons per person. Presently, the population of obese individuals in the country has surged to a staggering 41.9 percent, and recent data indicates a per capita consumption of soft drinks at 42.9 gallons.

Although the decrease in per capita soda consumption might suggest no impact, it's crucial to note that the composition of these beverages has evolved over the years, becoming progressively less healthy.

While correlation doesn't prove causation, it's worth considering the aforementioned information.

Another crucial aspect to contemplate is that numerous studies have definitively linked engineered junk foods (including soda) as a leading cause of illnesses like diabetes and obesity in America, second only to genetics.

Unless a substantial and effective measure is taken, current trends are likely to continue worsening these issues.

Given the scale of the problem, several elements must come into play to address it effectively. And, to initiate this process, we must start somewhere. Implementing a tax on soda and its products is an excellent starting point for the nation.

Certainly, this kind of drastic measure will have drawbacks, yet its potential to effectively curb the issue at hand should not be underestimated.

The primary advantage of a soda tax is that it would limit accessibility to the product for most people. Consequently, fewer individuals would consume it, resulting in a significant drop in obesity rates.

Obesity is a national health threat that demands proper attention. To prevent it from worsening, let's take the necessary step in the right direction – implement a tax on soda and preserve the nation's future.

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