The United States is struggling with a serious weight issue. While it’s a widely acknowledged problem, finding a solution has not been an easy task. One researcher proposes that overweight individuals should be held accountable for their weight-related costs by paying more taxes than their thinner counterparts. This article examines the arguments for and against this theory.
Overweight population contributing to various problems
Richard McKenzie, the Walter B. Gerken Professor of Enterprise and Society in the Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, contends that America’s weight problem is connected to factors such as growing world trade, the end of communism, the rise in free-market economics, increasing rights for women, the decline in the real minimum wage, and the emergence of competitive markets worldwide.
In his book HEAVY! The Surprising Reasons America is the Land of the Free—and the Home of the Fat, McKenzie highlights numerous consequences of the weight issue in the United States. These impact various sectors of society:
- Increase in fuel consumption
- Greater greenhouse gas emissions
- Lower fuel efficiency in cars and jets
- Rising health insurance costs
- Wage decreases for overweight individuals
- Upgrading rescue equipment and hospital operating tables to cater to those struggling with obesity
A free-market solution
Rather than implementing additional taxes on overweight citizens, McKenzie advocates for a free-market approach for tackling this issue. He argues that people should take full responsibility for their weight-related costs and not place blame on genetics or the environment. McKenzie asserts that allowing overweight people to shift responsibility for their weight gain only perpetuates the country’s weight problems.
A free-market solution could encourage individuals to become more conscious of their own health and wellness, proactively maintaining their weight through choices related to nutrition and physical activity. This approach places the burden squarely on the individual, reducing the potential for blame-shifting and excuses.
Challenging economic disparities
One of the key elements of McKenzie’s theory is the decline in the real minimum wage. Over the years, the purchasing power of the minimum wage in the United States has eroded, making it difficult for lower-income individuals to access a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious food and opportunities for physical activity.
A free-market solution may not be entirely effective at addressing this issue if the disparity between various income groups continues. Lower-income individuals who are faced with high costs of living may not have the resources to invest in healthier food options or engage in regular exercise.
According to a study by the Brookings Institution, the wealth gap in the United States continues to widen, with a significant number of families in the lower income brackets having limited resources and facing economic challenges.
Is taxation the answer?
While the proposition of taxing overweight citizens may be an interesting concept, it is far from the only potential solution for addressing the weight problem in the United States. A more comprehensive approach should also involve raising awareness on healthy lifestyles, promoting affordable healthy food options, and encouraging physical activity in schools, workplaces, and communities.
The World Health Organization has recognized the importance of addressing obesity on a global scale, with recommendations that include promoting and creating supportive environments for both physical activity and healthy eating. Encouraging the adoption of healthier behaviors can make a significant difference in the health of populations.
A collaborative approach
In conclusion, the idea of implementing higher taxation on overweight individuals could be a controversial and potentially divisive solution that fails to address the root of the problem. Tackling the weight issue in the United States requires a multifaceted approach that includes not only encouraging personal responsibility but also providing efficient means to access healthy lifestyles and promoting overall wellness.
Collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, educators, and communities could yield more effective results for curbing the obesity epidemic in the United States. By working together to create environments where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive, the weight problem could be addressed more efficiently and holistically.
