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Blake, Wm. The Last Supper- 'Verily I Say Unto You That One of You Shall Betray Me.' 1799.

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A global study has revealed that taxes on unhealthy foods significantly reduce their consumption and obesity rates. This effect is most notable among lower-income groups, which are often the largest consumers of these foods.

Mexico has seen considerable success with an 8% tax on non-essential, energy-dense foods, leading to an 18% sales drop in supermarkets. This approach could potentially close the price gap between healthy and unhealthy foods, especially in low and middle-income countries.

In the UK, where obesity has been on the rise, the implementation of HFSS food taxes could extend beyond soft drinks to include all unhealthy food options. Such measures have already proven to reduce the sugar content in beverages by 46%.

Researcher: “The positive outcomes associated with combining HFSS food taxes with subsidies for healthier options make it a compelling policy option for governments looking to encourage healthy eating and reduce the impacts of obesity.