A Marble Desk analyzes whether a “fat tax” is a good idea:

I have to be honest, I personally am not in favor of such a tax, and think that this line of reasoning is defective. So I figured, it’s time for a little research. The question “should there be a fat tax?” actually boils down to 4 separate questions here:

1. Has taxation been ever shown to reduce consumption of any other unhealthy consumables?
2. Are those other unhealthy consumables comparable to “junk food” in significant ways?
3. If implemented, will the tax have the effect intended?
4. Should, as a matter of public policy, a tax therefore be implemented?

I will examine each of these questions in turn.