Writing task 2

Some think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat healthier.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is undeniable that people these days are consuming far more fast food than ever before. Some believe that tax would regulate the consumption of unhealthy food as well as promote healthy eating. In my opinion, while this has the potential to combat poor diets, other methods prove effective as well.

On the one hand, increasing taxes on fast food could be a tempting target for those looking to change eating habits. When prices rise, demand generally falls. In other words, Rising prices would theoretically cause consumers to eat fast food less often, preferably replacing that with healthier fare. Therefore, it is not only beneficial when it comes to battle with obesity-related diseases like stroke and high blood pressure but also contributes to lean body shapes and healthier minds at schools or workplaces. For those reasons, the government should place heavy-handed taxes on junk food.

On the other hand, tax policy is just one of a range of cost-effective measures. In many countries, chances are that organic meat and vegetables are more expensive compared to junk food, so people tend to choose the latter due to their cheap prices. Hence, the government needs to assure that the cost of healthy eating is affordable to not only the middle-income but also the lower socioeconomic group. Furthermore, the problem needs a societal solution. Actions such as better labeling and the restriction of junk food advertising could make significant differences. Retailers, for example, could reduce the promotion of high sugar products in favor of healthier alternatives, and schools could also increase the provision of quality nutrition education.

In sum, the excess consumption of unhealthy food is of global concern. While many people state that these taxes do have the potential to reduce unhealthy products on the shelves, I believe that when the citizens join their government, it is easier to alleviate the problem.