Final signature count: 3,281

3,281 signatures toward our 30,000 goal

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults are obese in the U.S. alone [1]. Further, obesity-related heart disease and diabetes are among the leading health problems Americans face today. While there are several factors that contribute to obesity and obesity-related illness, there is a growing body of evidence that reveals sugary beverages are a major contributor to the global obesity epidemic.

Many beverages with added sugar contain more sugar in each bottle than the American Heart Association’s (AHA) daily recommended limit. A 2009 report from the AHA revealed that soft drinks and sugar sweetened beverages are the largest contributors of added sugars in Americans’ diets [2]. That same year, the cost of treating obesity-related medical issues was estimated to be almost $147 billion [3].

This problem is affecting our nation’s children, as well. Analyses of middle school children depicted a 60% increase in obesity risk for every additional serving of sugary beverages consumed each day [4].

This needs to stop.

Adding a national tax to beverages that contain added sugars could have multiple benefits. The intuitive result of a per-ounce taxation on sugary drinks (including those with artificial sweeteners) would be a reduction in consumption. Further, the added tax revenue could be funneled into health programs aimed at obesity prevention, health education for children, and combating obesity-related illnesses.

Urge lawmakers to implement a national tax on sugary beverages. Sign now!