So some experts say it's time to level the playing field and tax sugared beverages, especially since studies show people who consume sweetened drinks tend to weigh more and have a higher risk for diabetes.
Levying a tax to change behavior is a move that has shown success in curtailing other habits. For example, higher taxes on cigarettes have helped curb smoking rates. And now, states like Maine and New York are considering a tax to reduce soda consumption.
Experts say this move is needed because education alone isn't working. The only way to get people to stop drinking so many of their calories is to hit them in their pocketbooks.
But companies are fighting back, like PepsiCo. The soda giant is considering moving its headquarters out of New York state if the proposed tax on sugared beverages goes forward.
Web produced by: Maura Sweeney
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