Tax in fighting obesity in the world and in Turkey: comparative analysis

Obesity, a global health problem, has become common in men, women and children. Especially in adolescence and youth, increasing obesity rate and/or excessive weight gain is a disease that needs to be treated because it causes diseases in the body and psychological diseases. In this direction, countries have developed policies to prevent obesity. Taxes, which are the most important source of public finance, can also be used as a tool in health policy. Many countries have recently passed laws to tax certain foodstuffs, such as soft drinks, sweets, chocolate, ice cream, and other unhealthy products, or to increase foods, often aimed at combining financial and health benefits. It is thought that food taxes, one of these laws, may affect consumption. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of the generally accepted obesity tax on the fight against obesity in the world and in Turkey. As a result of the study, it has been concluded that the countries' obesity taxes are effective in reducing obesity, but they are not sufficient and they will be more successful when the obesity tax rate is increased.