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Alternative Fat Taxes to Control Obesity

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Abstract

This paper examines three alternative types of fat taxes to determine how effective they may be in reducing obesity. Upon the examination of the available evidence as to the effectiveness of fat taxes in reducing obesity authors conclude that all types of fat taxes are not sufficiently specific in targeting obesity. In some cases imposition of fat tax may actually lead to reversal of the intended effect. Therefore, the use of taxes to reduce obesity and promote healthy outcomes is not recommended.

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Correspondence to J. Stephen Clark.

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Supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (Project No. MSM6046070906).

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Clark, J.S., Dittrich, O.L. Alternative Fat Taxes to Control Obesity. Int Adv Econ Res 16, 388–394 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11294-010-9282-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11294-010-9282-z

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