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	Podcast:		UC Science Today
	Episode:		A tax that makes a difference in public health
	Category:		Science & Medicine
	Duration:		00:01:00
	Publish Date:		2016-11-03 19:00:00
	Description:		After a ‘soda tax’ took effect in low-income neighborhoods in Berkeley, California, researchers discovered the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages took a steep dive in these communities. Study author Kris Madsen of the University of California, Berkeley says instead, those surveyed in these neighborhoods, which often have high rates of obesity and diabetes, reported making healthier choices like drinking more water. Madsen says this is an encouraging sign from a public health perspective. “Look, it is a little bit like a luxury tax on alcohol or cigarettes. It’s fine. It is your choice. But clearly it should only happen occasionally. We tried to reduce smoking in the United States for many years, and it really was only effective once the tax went into effect.” Madsen adds that such taxes are successful examples of intervention since it has an impact on people’s health and generates revenue. "I feel like we’ll continue to look for the tools that are the most effective tools to change, to improve population health.”
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