2023届高考英语二轮复习外刊阅读训练：垃圾食品纳税是根治肥胖最省钱的方法

23年高考英语外刊阅读理解训练——垃圾食品纳税是根治肥胖最省钱的方法 ——改编自Junk food must be taxed Obesity is a pressing issue in modern society. One primary cause of this epidemic is the excessive consumption of calories, which are often hidden in highly processed junk food such as chips, hamburgers, and candy bars. With cheap prices, it is not surprising that many people choose these foods over healthier options, leading to an increase in obesity rates among both children and adults. Therefore, implementing a junk food tax could be a proactive measure to curb this trend. Although a junk food tax may not be well-received, it is a necessary step toward reducing obesity rates. According to a recent study, in the last five years alone, overweight children in France have risen from 2% to 4%, with low-income families being disproportionately affected. Obesity leads to numerous health problems, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. While there may be multiple causes of obesity, one contributing factor is the excessive intake of calories. Studies show that an extra 150 calories per day can lead to an average weight gain of 4 kilos within a year. Junk food, in particular, offers extreme caloric density at a very low price. For example, $1.50 spent on candy and soda can provide 1000 calories, whereas to get the same amount of calories from fruits and vegetables, one would need to spend $2.30. This makes it more accessible for the poorest individuals to purchase higher calorie foods. The youngest age group also tends to consume more junk food, putting them at the highest risk for obesity. To encourage individuals to switch to lower calorie foods, studies have shown that purchasing decisions can vary greatly based on prices. When a product’s price goes up, sales decrease significantly. Thus, a 5% junk food tax could result in a 15% reduction in purchases, ultimately having a significant impact on the obesity epidemic. While this tax may negatively impact