New York leaders are pressing for a so-called fat tax on the soft drinks industry, saying that sweet beverages are responsible for an upsurge of obesity across the United States. State Health Commissioner Richard Daines took up the issue Monday, speaking of a "golden opportunity" to create the tax. "The dramatic underpricing of sugar-sweetened beverages, their widespread availability, and the ...

CHICAGO (Reuters) - 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 (2 kg) 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 ...

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A deal to sell healthier drinks in U.S. schools has slashed the amount of fattening beverages offered to students, former President Bill Clinton said on Monday as New York leaders pushed for a soda tax to tackle obesity and budget shortfalls. Many health experts say non-diet soft drinks are a key source of excess calories in ...

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Disgust. Pity. Contempt. Obesity is everywhere in our society today -- and this is how it is met by a remarkable number of people. People who would find slurs against other groups unthinkable still seem to think nothing of correcting, lecturing, and even humiliating complete strangers who are overweight. Not only is such casual obesity-bashing considered harmless, some people ...