The New England Journal of Medicine published a health policy report yesterday, discussing the benefits of higher taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.  The authors of this proposal, all respected doctors and PhD’s, suggest that because “the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been linked to risks for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease…a compelling case can be made for the need for reduced consumption of these beverages.”

They believe that, not only will a new tax reduce the consumption thereby positively effecting the health of our county, but it will also generate a revenue that can then be used to support health-related programs, an estimated $14.9 billion if a tax of a penny an ounce is applied.   This tax would be for soft drinks, energy drinks, sports beverages and many juices and iced teas,  excluding sugar-free diet drinks.

According to an article in The New York Times, this proposal is getting some attention in Washington. President Obama has said it is worth considering.    Read the full article….

What do you think?

[poll id="4"]