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This paper evaluates the impact of changes in state soft drink taxes on body mass index (BMI), obesity and overweight. Researchers found that weight responds to changes in soft drink taxes; an increase of 1% in the state soft drink tax rate leads to a decrease in BMI of 0.003 points and the influence of soft drink taxes varies across demographic groups. Soft drink taxes have a larger influence on BMI and obesity for lower-income adults and Hispanics. Overall, researchers found that at the current tax rate, with an average of approximately 3%, the impact on BMI is small.
Published: January 2010
ID #: 65053
Journal: Contemp Econ Policy
Authors: Fletcher JM, Frisvold D, Tefft N
Age Group: Adults and Families
Focus Areas: Beverages, Pricing & Economics
Keywords: Body mass index (BMI), Sugar-sweetened beverages, Taxes
Resource Type: Journal Article
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
State: National
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