Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Friday, April 02, 2010

Study Says 18 Percent Soda Tax Would Lower Kids' Consumption

The government would have to increase taxes on soda and junk food by 18 to 20 percent in order to influence people not to buy these products, according to a new study from the Rand Corporation.
  • Roland Sturm and his colleagues analyzed data from 7,300 fifth graders who were surveyed in 2004 about their height, weight, and soda consumption.
  • Some children lived in states that had special taxes on soda that amounted to four to seven cents on the dollar.
  • These taxes had a small effect on a few children, mostly those whose families earn less than $25,000 a year.
  • However, Sturm calculated that the tax would have to be more like 18 to 20 cents on the dollar to make a significant difference on consumption.
The study appeared in the journal Health Affairs.

Labels: sodas, taxes

Posted By: Aspen/CRC