Making A Dent in the Obesity Equation via Coupling Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes with Fruit and Vegetable Subsidies

Obesity rates continue to rise in children and adults alike the United States represent a significant threat public health economic well-being. Many factors have contributed obesity equation, including widespread availability appeal of ultra-processed food drink. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) one such drink, as critical examination available evidence reveals clear link between their consumption increased risks related conditions type 2 diabetes. Taxing SSB purchases therefore presents potentially valuable means making dent contribution key risk factor though beverage industry has fought against enactment these taxes instead promoted generally unclear stance on SSBs. This paper explores existing excise that been implemented recent years, focusing especially Philadelphia’s tax case study for examining behavioral changes associated with management revenue. It then suggests revenue be directly funneled into subsidization fruits vegetables maximize obesity-fighting potential relatively novel taxes.