TO THE EDITOR:
I found columnist Sarah Dugan’s argument regarding soda taxes (Soda Tax: A Solution to a big problem, Nov. 18) to be one-sided. As a registered dietitian, I wish the treatment for obesity was as simple as taxing fatty foods and drinks.
However, it is just not that easy. And contrary to Dugan’s assertion, there are a number of studies which support this.
While it is certainly provocative to lump foods and beverages into “good” or “bad” categories, it does not change people’s behavior. I know from my own experience that if someone really wants a snack or a sweet, they will get it.
Most nutrition experts will tell you that a healthy diet includes a variety of foods and beverages. We need to teach consumers how to enjoy foods and drinks sensibly.
As most health care practitioners will agree, solutions to obesity will require an approach that includes education about exercise, calories, nutrients and portion control. We need to help Americans focus on their total diet and lifestyle. Food and drink taxes are not the panacea.
Melissa Herrmann Dierks RD, LDN, CDE
Huntersville Resident
