Thesis advisor: Joseph Quinn / The obesity epidemic is highly prevalent, growing and costly to the American public. The burden of obesity-related healthcare and productivity costs fall on employers, the government and the public at large, making it a cause of concern for all. Processed foods have received much of the blame for rising obesity rates in the United States, creating an "organic revolution." However, fast food giants still dominate the market. Changes such as mandated calorie labeling on menus and fat taxes have been attempted, but obesity rates are still growing. Policy action to successfully reduce and prevent obesity must target food environments, influence individual behavior, and support health services. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2018. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Departmental Honors. / Discipline: Economics.

The concept of a fat tax is a heavily debated topic around the world (given increasing levels of obesity and overweight) as a measure to be used by legislators to control the consumption of food items that are seen to cause obesity and overweight. The purpose of a fat tax can be likened to that of a sin tax (used to control consumption of products seen as vices to society). Little research has been carried out on fat tax in South Africa as the debate surrounding the levels of obesity has only been initiated on a national level in recent years. However, given the significant threat which high levels of obesity and overweight pose to South Africans (the fourth fattest nation in the world), the viability of any measure that would curb the consumption of unhealthy foods by South Africans should be investigated. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the introduction of a fat tax would affect consumer consumption habits by deterring consumers from purchasing unhealthy foods and in this way begin to lower the levels of obesity observed in the country. This study consists of a review of various literature in favour of, and against the implementation of sin and fat taxes, a detailed investigation into the effect of the levying of sin taxes by the South African Minister of Finance on tobacco and alcohol consumption and a survey researching the possible impact that an implemented fat tax would have on consumer consumption patterns in South Africa. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Taxation / MCom / Unrestricted

The thesis scrutinizes government activities in response to obesity epidemics in European Union. It reveals causes of obesity; it's social costs and possible solutions on national level. Fat tax, physical activity endorsement and food products label regulation are analysed and assessed based on their effectiveness in obesity reduction.