Soda Tax Proposal Targets Childhood Obesity

A local group of medical students have their eye on some of the state’s tax money.

They say the existing tax on soft drinks ought to fund efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Vanderbilt’s chapter of the American Medical Students Association doesn’t usually lobby state government. But member Kathy Niu says childhood obesity is worth taking that action because it can lead to serious health problems in adulthood, like heart disease and diabetes. She thinks money tied to soft drinks is a natural for tackling the problem. Niu refers to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“Each extra can of sugary drink, beverage that a child consumes per day, his or her likelihood of becoming obese goes up by sixty percent.”

Tennessee’s1-point-9 percent tax on sodas comes up for reauthorization next year. When it does, the group is proposing that a portion be used to target childhood obesity, but does not specify what form that would take. The proposal would not increase the size of the tax.

The students will kick off their campaign with an event at Nashville’s McFerrin Park Community Garden Saturday afternoon from 1:00-3:00.

Earlier: Gubernatorial Candidate Gibbons Emphasizes Fighting Crime
Later: Cooper Says U.S. “Shouldn’t Go It Alone” on Iran