56% of Americans Oppose Obesity Tax

Fifty-six percent of Americans are opposed taxing soft drinks and fast food as a way to deter obesity, while 31 percent support the tax, according to results of a new online Adweek Media/Harris Poll of 2,140 U.S. adults.

Location and age affect attitudes on the "obesity tax." Those who live in the East are the most supportive of the tax on soft drinks and fast food with 42 percent supporting it and just half opposing it, followed by those in the West where 35 percent support it and 53 percent oppose the tax. Just 25 percent of those who live in the South support the tax while 61 percent oppose it. About 28 percent of Midwesterners support the tax; 57 percent oppose it.

The youngest U.S. adults are those most likely to support the tax on soft drinks and fast food. Forty-one percent of those aged 18-34 support the tax and 42 percent oppose it. Baby boomers are most opposed with 68 percent of those aged 45-54 opposing the tax and only 24 percent favoring it.

Education and income also affect the stance on the obesity tax. Just 25 percent of those with a household income between $35,000 and $49,999 and 27 percent under $35,000 support this tax compared to 39 percent with a household income of $75,000 a year or more. Those who are more educated are more likely to support a tax on fast food and soft drinks. One-quarter of those with a high school education or less support the tax compared to 34 percent of those who have attended some college and 41 percent of those with at least a college degree.

Sources:

* Harris Interactive: Over Half of Americans Opposed to Taxing Soft Drinks and Fast Food

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