I wondered how long it would be before someone found a way to tax fat people for taking up extra space in the world. Some airlines charge fat people for an extra seat and it looked to me like Denmark was going to start taxing people for being fat. At least that is what I thought when I first glanced at the headline “Denmark introduces world’s first fat tax.” As I read further, however, I realized that it is the fat in food that is being taxed, not the fat in people.
The food police are on the watch. Milk, cheese, pizza, ice cream, potato chips, butter, hamburgers — it’s all subject to an additional tax for the Danes. The sin tax is based on a formula that takes into account the amount of fat used to produce a particular food, not the amount of fat that is actually in the final product. If a food contains more than 2.3 percent saturated fat it will be taxed. A bag of potato chips will cost you an additional 12 cents. You’ll need to dish over an extra 39 cents for that small package of butter and a hamburger will be an additional 40 cents, please.
We always hear about the bad of fat and cholesterol. Rarely are we reminded that fat, cholesterol and other lipids play a very important role in our bodies. For one, the plasma membrane that surrounds each cell requires lipids as a component. The layers of fat under the skin store energy and insulate us against the cold temperatures in the winter. Fat also protects us against minor bruising and contributes to our body’s contours. In the abdominal area, fat helps protect our vital organs from jarring movements and damaging blows.
In foods, lipids help intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Meals that are higher in fat empty more slowly from the stomach than high carbohydrate meals so fat in food contributes to satiety –- the feeling of satisfaction that we get after eating a meal. Lipids also provide non-nutritive benefits by contributing to the rich flavor, smooth texture and appetizing aroma of foods.
Essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid must be supplied by the diet because the body cannot make them. If you don’t consume fat in your diet you won’t be taking in these essential polyunsaturated fats.
A few years ago, Denmark made it illegal for a food to contain more than 2 percent trans fats. The argument being that trans fats raise bad, or LDL, cholesterol just like saturated fat. The Danes already have sin taxes on sugary items such as soda and candy.
Surprisingly, the fat tax isn’t aimed at curbing obesity. Statistically, Denmark has an obesity rate below the European average. The concern is that Denmark lags behind the other European countries in terms of life expectancy, and the country hopes the fat tax will increase the average lifespan by three years over the next decade.
Will a fat tax force people to eat healthier? Is this something that should or ever could be implemented in the United States to help reduce the obesity rate? For years there have been attempts in this country to get a tax passed on sugary beverages. One would think this would be an easy target, but to date the tax hasn’t happened.
In theory it is a good idea. Make unhealthy items more expensive so we won’t consume as much. Tobacco, high-fat foods, high-sugar foods –- make them all cost more. But who gets to decide what should and shouldn’t be taxed? The taxing of foods and such begins to take on a Big-Brother-is-watching kind of feeling. Many believe we should not be punished by taxes on items just because the government decides we should not be using them. If it isn’t illegal why should it be taxed additionally?
Until people take ownership for their health and how they choose to spend their food dollars, no amount of tax, surcharge or other additional costs will make a difference in their purchases. People will eat what they want to eat regardless of the cost. Just drive by the local ice cream shop on a summer evening. There is always a line and those cones are not cheap. Have you purchased a soda at a corner store lately? Did you get much back in change from your $2?
Georgia Clark-Albert is a registered dietitian and adjunct nutrition instructor at Eastern Maine Community College who lives in Athens. Read more of her columns and post questions at bangordailynews.com or email her at GeorgiaMaineMSRDCDE@gmail.com.