It has long been known that obesity is a growing problem in the United Kingdom as well as around the world. Medical professionals state that as society becomes morbidly obese, longevity suffers and the cost of health care is rising as a result.
David Cameron stated that action is needed in order to counter the high costs associated with health problems directly related to being overweight. As an example, Denmark was mentioned because that country recently began levying a tax on foods that contained more than a certain amount of fat.
Such foods as cheese, butter, milk, meat, pizza, oil and an assortment of processed foods are being taxed. If those foods contain saturated fats greater than 2.3pc, they are being heavily taxed. Unfortunately, consumers in Denmark are highly critical of this manoeuvre and businesses are contemptuous of overly excessive bureaucracy.
Cameron states that the UK should not rule out a similar levy and that in his opinion it is something which should be seriously considered. However, he did note that this type of tax would have a significantly detrimental impact on low income households even though he is in favour of the tax.
He admits that there is certainly a growing problem with obesity in the UK and that we should look at just how far things have gone in the United States. He feels that this is a wake up call and that something does need to be done in order to reduce health care costs and promote better overall health for Brits.
Also mentioned was the fact that obesity appears to be on the verge of overtaking alcoholism and smoking as the leading cause of illness and death in the UK. Although this has not been brought before Parliament, Cameron states that it should not be ruled out as a viable alternative to offsetting the rising cost of health care directly related to obesity.
