USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate)
First Advisor
Thesis Director: Dr. Alison Gainsbury, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
Second Advisor
Thesis Committee Member: Dr. Hossam Ashour, Ph.D. Associate Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
2020
Date Issued
2020-05-08
Abstract
The food we eat is governed and sometimes justifiably so. There are taxes and policies meant to protect consumers and children from products that hurt our health. This thesis has gathered data and analyzed if these policies are performing in favor of the desired outcome. Is a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages making a healthy difference? Does taxing and eliminating processed foods high in saturated fatty acids benefit the health of citizens? Does restricting foods marketed to children promote lower percentages of obesity in young children? The analysis run by JMP does not support that taxes on sugary beverages result in lower cases of diabetes. Literature, however, supports results that taxes and policies indirectly lead to healthier consumers by lowering obesity levels. Although policies against saturated fats are making a difference, the outcome is not a desirable one as heart disease is higher among countries that have this policy. With more analysis of such national policies, governments can reevaluate the efforts and resources used to keep citizens healthy.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Nisuka T., "Diet: A Public Health and Economic Concern" (2020). USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate).
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/honorstheses/261
Comments
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University Honors Program University of South Florida, St. Petersburg May 8, 2020.