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.

Comments

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University Honors Program University of South Florida, St. Petersburg May 8, 2020.

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