title: Economics and obesity policy.
abstract: This paper elucidates the challenges surrounding the economics of some popular obesity-related policy proposals. Solid economic justifications for anti-obesity policies are often lacking, and evidence suggests policies like fat and soda taxes or restrictions on food stamp spending are unlikely to substantively affect obesity prevalence. In short, many of the same factors that make obesity such a complicated and multifaceted issue extend to the economic analysis of public health policies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lusk
mesh_terms: D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000191:economics; D003132:Commerce / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D057140:Fast Foods / Q000191:economics; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D063105:Food Assistance / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006078:Government Programs; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009765:Obesity / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011050:Policy Making; D011634:Public Health; D013660:Taxes / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States