The meeting, taking place in Washington, DC this week, brings
together doctors, dietitians and academics to discuss research
developments and diverse ways to tackle obesity, including
policy interventions. Obesity rates have skyrocketed in the US
in recent years – 15 percent of the population was obese in
1980, compared to 34 percent today, according to figures from
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. These swelling
figures – along with the rising cost of healthcare for obesity-
related diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease – have
put pressure on government to find a solution, and taxing sugary
soft drinks is one idea that has been the subject of intense
debate. But as the Obesity Society meeting convened, the Center
for Consumer Freedom – a non-profit organization funded by food
and beverage companies, restaurants and individuals – argued
that taxes should not be on the agenda and policy makers need to
look at a bigger picture. Senior research analyst at CCF Justin
Wilson said in the st