Blog # 9

One of the most concerning global problems that are affecting the world today is obesity. Conservative estimates of obesity trends in the UK to 2030 suggest 5,450,000 new cases of diabetes, 330,000 cases of coronary heart disease and stroke and 87,000 cancers, leading to an overall loss of 2.2m quality-adjusted life years in the population, at a cost of almost another £2bn per annum to the health service. There are some interventions being thought over right now the problem is trying to find that work and are cost effective. 8 of the 20 interventions assessed were cost-saving and the one that is most promising is a 10% tax on unhealthy foods and beverages. This tax might be a good idea to help some, but for the poorer population who spend most of their money on food will be penalized by this. A so called “fat tax” has unforeseeable consequences and could bring about disaster, however, the consequences of obesity is far detrimental to all mankind. Something needs to be done or we will have a lot of sick and dying people in this world.
I have done a few posts on obesity so far and that is because it is a serious global problem that has the world clenched in its grasps. I believe that our society is plagued with harmful fatty foods that are cheap, advertisements that make young children want to buy these foods, over worked individuals with little time to cook and exercise, and the economy which is so bad parents can’t afford nice foods along with they don’t have time encourage their children to eat right because they are always working. Our world is set up for people to be obese and while I believe a “fat tax” might help some and would be a good start for a healthier world, I do not believe it is the answer to this problem. What if instead of taxing the fatty foods we just stop making them in general? Some way we need to come together as one and fight obesity before it takes and even bigger toll on our world.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2011/oct/27/obesity-public-health-tax-kings-fund?INTCMP=SRCH