The perceived effectiveness of obesity tax in the fight against obesity

Obesity has been on the rise recently. Obesity taxes have been employed increasingly in some countries in the fight against obesity. This study was carried out in order to measure the applicability of the obesity tax in Turkey. In this respect, the study focuses on the attitudes of potential taxpayers and health professionals, who are partners in the solution towards the obesity tax. The study also aims to determine the product groups and foods that can be exposed to obesity tax, the effect of obesity tax on the consumption of the society as well as the efficiency of obesity tax amongst the other policies. For these purposes, 309 health professionals were interviewed through a simple random sampling method. The quota sampling method was used for community data (age and gender quota). The study comprised of a total of 706 people from large cities ranging across seven regions of Turkey. According to results; compared to health professionals, the society is less likely to accept an obesity tax from a political aspect. The political acceptance rate of male and elder health professionals is higher. Variables which affect the health professionals' thoughts on the fairness of obesity tax are income, marital status and body mass index. The chance of society to find the tax fair is affected only by the income variable. In respect to perceived order of public policy efficiency, obesity tax is seen as the least preferred option for both stakeholder groups. The most effective and preferred three policies to combat obesity are the same in two groups. These are awareness policies on education and health, restrictions in advertisements and the banning of sales of unhealthy food in schools and workplaces. The level of nutritional awareness of health professionals affects the support of an obesity tax, however the same finding does not apply to the society. For both groups, the most dangerous product group for obesity is fast food. In general, participants indicate that obesity taxes would not reduce their demand for those products. The three most risky foods for obesity are chips, coke and fast food. According to the society, the most important cause of obesity is an increase in the number of fast food restaurants, unconscious food choices and lack of exercise. Health professionals place poor food choices and inactivity at the forefront. As far as the society is concerned, the most effective players in the fight against obesity are the schools, whereas health professionals give more importance on the individuals themselves.