Economist Rejects Taxing Snacks As Cure For Obesity

An economist who has studied the affects of obesity on the economy doesn’t believe taxing non-healthy foods is a viable solution to the nation’s obesity problem. Economist Roland Sturm with the RAND Corporation says several states are considering enacting the so-called Twinkie tax on such things as fast-food, candy bars and soda. Sturm says there’s little to indicate such a tax would work. Sturm also says the reasons some give for the growing obesity problem are off base. He says no studies back assertions that a change in occupations and even a lack of exercise are the main culprit. He says food has become more plentiful and convenient and we are eating more than we did 20 years ago.