The link between the consumption of high-fat foods and obesity is well established. Mounting concern about the increasing incidence of obesity in many countries has sparked debate about the merit of an explicit ‘fat tax’, aimed at either taxing foods according to their fat content or, more practically, taxing certain foods with a high fat content. Your Task: Your essay requires you to discuss the likely economic consequences and effectiveness of a fat tax at reducing the consumption of high-fat foods. Some Hints: What is the economic rationale for introducing a so-called “fat tax”? What does economic teaching suggest are the likely chances of a “fat tax” being effective in reducing the consumption of high-fat foods? What may governments do with the revenue raised by this tax in order to address the problem of obesity? Is it ethical of governments to try to change our eating habits? Is it ethical of government to try to manage its financial obligations in the area of health expenditure by influencing our behaviours? Taxes on cigarettes, on alcohol, on petrol, on pollution and the carbon tax in Australia have all been levied, at least in part, in response to concerns about health of individuals and/or the environment. (The experience of these taxes may or may not assist your assessment of a “fat tax” as a policy option, however these taxes are NOT the subject matter of this essay). Word limit: 1,500 words. Criteria for marking

The following criteria will be applied when grading the assignment:

1. a demonstrated understanding of economic theory appropriate application of economic concepts in a manner which illuminates the problem and perhaps offers a solution

2. Clarity and coherence of writing

3. Correct referencing (Harvard)

4. Correct use of economic diagrams

5. Expressed awareness of ethical issues raised by the issue and possible solutions