A number of countries are considering implementing a tax on high-fat foods, but the effectiveness of such a measure in improving dietary habits is a topic of debate. Denmark was the first country to introduce a tax on high-fat foods in 2011/2012, levying 16 Danish kroner (approximately two euros) per kilogram of saturated fatty acids in foods with a fat content of over 2.3% of the total weight. The aim was to reduce the consumption of highly processed foods, which studies have shown can lead to obesity. However, a recent study published in the Cochrane Report by scientists from the University of Bremen, the Danube University Krems, and the AOK Baden-Württemberg has found that the impact of a “fat tax” on people’s diets is uncertain.
The study was based on a limited amount of data, as the tax was only implemented in Denmark for two years. The researchers were only able to analyze two studies that examined the effects of the Danish tax. According to the results, the additional tax led to a reduction in fat consumption of 41.8 grams per week per person on average. This resulted in a decrease in the consumption of certain foods, such as ground beef (-4.2%) and cream (-5.8%), while other foods, such as sour cream (+0.5%), were consumed more frequently. However, due to the limited data, the researchers rated the evidence on the effects of a tax on overall fat consumption and saturated fat consumption as “very uncertain.”
While Denmark’s tax on high-fat foods was intended to reduce obesity rates, the effectiveness of such a measure remains unclear. The limited data available suggests that a tax may lead to a reduction in fat consumption, but the overall impact on people’s diets is uncertain. As more countries consider implementing similar taxes, further research will be needed to determine their effectiveness in improving public health.
