U.S. researchers estimate that an 18 percent tax on pizza and soda can push down U.S. adults' calorie intake enough to lower their average weight by 5 pounds per year.

The researchers, writing in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday, suggested taxing could be used as a weapon in the fight against obesity, which costs the United States an estimated $147 billion a year in health costs.

"While such policies will not solve the obesity epidemic in its entirety and may face considerable opposition from food manufacturers and sellers, they could prove an important strategy to address overconsumption, help reduce energy intake and potentially aid in weight loss and reduced rates of diabetes among U.S. adults," wrote the team led by Kiyah Duffey of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

With two-thirds of Americans either overweight or obese, policymakers are increasingly looking at taxing as a way to address obesity on a population level. Continue article at original source

Free Online Diet Calendar
StartYourDiet.com is a free online diet calendar that will help you plan your diet, track your results and communicate with other dieters.

Free Diet and Exercise Tips
Share and learn about exercise, healthy eating, overcoming mental obstacles to dieting and more.

Clear Skin Products
Professional quality products made for skin conditions such as cold soars, scars and rosacea.

Diet Calculators
A complete set of diet calculators in one easy-to-use application for your iPhone and iPod touch.