Much like in the days of the Renaissance, when the higher your weight was equal to the height of your status, the UK is making obesity an expensive privilege. The British government is adding a 20% tax to all junk food, sodas and all other unhealthy foods.
A Quarter of British Children Are Obese
With the increasing rate of obesity in the United Kingdom, many children are unable to participate in the active parts of their education. British people are citing food and drink advertisements as one of the leading causes of the gluttony that springs obesity, as well as product placements in TV shows. They’re calling for the government to impose a ‘sugar tax’ on soft drinks and a general tax on unhealthier foods so people are less compelled to buy them.
The secret to the success of junk food is accessibility. People can get a complete meal (though some will argue that it’s mostly empty calories) for less than $5, and although its at the expense of people’s cholesterol and glucose levels, it’s easy, it’s fast and it’s cheap. Imposing a tax on these foods that will make it just as expensive as a salad at a coffee shop will make people think about the choices they’re making.
Jamie Oliver Takes A Stand Against Obesity
Famous English Chef Jamie Oliver will be taking part on a discussion about bringing down the rate of obesity in the UK at Parliament. The people are encouraging telling people just how much sugar goes into a single can of soda. He will be joined by Helen Jones, chairman of the British Petitions Committee and Dr. Sarah Wollaston, chairman of the Health Committee.
Specifically, they’re calling for a 20% sugar tax on sodas, a ban on guilt lanes (the racks of sweets and sodas just before the cash register) on supermarkets and other grocery establishments, as well as a halt on any ‘buy one, get one free’ sales on junk food. They also call for a change in the advertisements played on TV, especially during times when popular TV shows like the X-Factor and football matches are on so that there is a limited number of advertisements with junk food and fizzy drinks.
In a surprising turn, they’re also calling for a comedown with the cartoons normally associated with junk foods, such as the Kellogg’s cartoons and the Dairylea cow, which target children and entice them into asking to buy these unhealthy foods. The committee is also demanding a label on all sugary foods stating exactly how much sugar spoonfuls there are in each serving of the product, and they’re calling for an end to free soda refills at restaurants, fast food chains and cinemas, and an end to supersized portions.
Any Country With High Obesity Rates Should Take Notes
The demands posed by the committee are somewhat strict, but could prove to be effective. According to the World Health Organization, 74% of British men and 64% of British women will be obese by 2030, so it’s only natural that the UK takes preventative measures, but it’s worth noting that most of the demands will do all countries a world of good.
Obesity is a Privilege in the UK, You Have to Pay More to be Fat
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