America and a Fat Tax

According to policy studies, including one by the Urban Institute and the University of Virginia, a staggering 40 percent of Americans could be obese by the year 2015. Medical costs related to obesity account for up to $200 billion annually. Fat taxes on sodas, fatty foods and other high calorie products are gaining popularity among some prominent politicians and lawmakers who are desperate to save money on health care plans.

Are the Obese Already Being Singled Out?

In a recent case, an overweight four-month-old baby was denied health insurance and his parents were told he was overweight. I can remember when chubby babies were considered healthy. Apparently, even a baby can be rejected for being too hefty!

Most Americans May Not Support Fat Taxes as Part of Health Care Reform

According to a Rasmussen Reports telephone survey, only 30 percent of Americans were in favor of government workers paying more for health insurance or coverage. They were less supportive of smokers. At least 50 percent of those polled favoring a plan which forced smokers to pay more for health insurance.

President Clinton and Governor Schwarzenegger In Favor of Health Care Premiums Tied to Lifestyle

On Sept 19, 2007, both Calif. Gov. Schwarzenegger and President Bill Clinton formed The Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Along with efforts to get more nutritious foods into California schools, the Governor's Healthy Action Program is designed to lower health care premiums for people who lead lifestyles that prevent disease. Unlike the fat tax and some plans that are proposed, those who smoke or are overweight will not be charged higher premiums.

North Carolina Has Fat Tax in the Works

Some states have even stricter standards than California. In North Carolina, state employees who are overweight or smoke will pay more for health insurance, if all goes according to plan. The standards applying to obesity are planned to go into effect in July 2011. Obesity will be defined by using a standard BMI or body mass index chart. Tobacco use, unhealthy eating habits and inactivity are among the major reasons for preventable deaths in the state.

Fat Taxes and the Costs of Being Overweight

Being overweight increases medical costs, but obesity is responsible for almost $7 billion in Medicare prescription drug costs alone. Total costs could rise to $147 billion per year by 2008. That is a hefty amount of money to spend on what could be a preventable condition, if people are motivated to eat less, exercise more and reduce their waistlines.

But that, of course, is the kicker. Will a tax on unhealthy foods and sugar packed snacks really be enough to get people to make healthier choices? Will it encourage them to exercise more? Or will it simply be seen as a punishment? Smokers in North Carolina are already grumbling about being tested for nicotine and being forced to either kick the habit or pay an estimated $25 more in insurance premiums per month.

Fat Taxes, Health Care Policies and Saving Money

Health care reforms cost money and a fat tax, along with increased health insurance premiums, could save millions of dollars. But there are those who oppose taxes on high-fat foods and sugary sodas. These taxes might bring in much-needed money for health care reform, but will it actually get people to change their eating habits?

Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Kirstie Alley have seen their weight yo-yo through the years, in spite of being involved in supervised exercise programs. They aren't alone in fighting the Battle of the Bulge, losing weight only to see pounds pile on again.

Smoking can also be a hard habit to kick, perhaps even harder than losing weight (and, ironically, can lead to weight gain as cigarette use decreases). There is a reason why many weight-loss programs have the words results not typical below the weight-loss claims made by certain individuals (because keeping the pounds off can be a challenge).

The Odds of a Nationwide Fat Tax -- Will You Be Next to Pay More?

With so many jumping on the fat tax bandwagon, it seems probable that the appeal of lower costs could encourage politicians to support measures that raise health care premiums. These taxes are not only likely but are already planned in states like North Carolina. Also, when a four-month-old baby is denied health insurance for obesity, the chances that adults will face similar denials -- or higher insurance premiums -- seems a distinct possibility.

Sources:

The Urban Institute

Governor, President Clinton Highlight California's Leadership in Fighting Childhood Obesity: here

Fixing Our Broken Health Care System, here

North Carolina to Penalize Obese Workers, Those Who Smoke, North Carolina Observer, here

Heavy Infant in Grand Junction Denied Health Insurance: Denver Post, Oct 12, 2009.

30% Say Overweight Workers Should Pay More for Health Insurance: rasmussenreports.com