Fat Tax - A fine for obesity?

Again, not strictly computer related but I've had some requests to do some non-related articles for the non-comp geeks out there =]


This one is slightly related, because it may affect some of us that sometimes sit around too much.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13397306





Essentially there is a proposal in Arizona to bring in an annual fine of $50 for people who are overweight/obese (also smokers). Of course they would exempt people who are overweight due to a medical condition, but any 'able-bodied' person who can address their weight issue would have to pay if they don't actively try to lose weight.

What are your thoughts on this? Concerns of course are the kind of people they target; (as it appears people working for the state w/ state insurance would not be targeted by this initiative), i.e. elderly people, children (what age do they draw the line at on both ends of the scale?)

Personally I think it's an interesting idea; and might influence some people's decisions. $50 a year seems quite low to me, but in the end it's several less Big Macs; ironic. At the same time I feel government profits could best be put towards educating people more about good foods and lifestyles. But this seems to be a dead horse that done been whipped good.

Also, I seem to recall in Japan there was a similar thing; you had to be within the 28-34 inch waist range or you might not keep your job. This is coming from distant memory so I can't confirm.

I guess it has come to that time, where obesity is such an issue (much like smoking/alc) that all the restrictions we do see against tobacco/alcohol might start to work their way into the realm of fast/food, and being governmentally ruled in some way. This seems like the baby step, but do you think it could lead to bigger (pun intended) restrictions in the future?