FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Hold that cheeseburger.
Across the pond in Europe, Denmark is becoming the first country in the world to impose a so-called fat tax on foods high in saturated fats.
That includes everything from cheeseburgers and pizza to butter, milk, cheese and oils. Many Danes stocked up on these yummy groceries before the tax went into effect his weekend.
How much the "fat tax" is depends on how much saturated fat is in any given food, but it comes out to about $3 for every 2 pounds of saturated fat.
Officials say the goal is to increase the average life expectancy in Denmark, since saturated fats can cause heart disease and cancer.
Denmark has been a leading country when it comes to tougher policies on unhealthy foods. They have higher taxes on sodas, cigarettes and alcohol beyond what's required by the European Union. And they've increased taxes on ice cream, chocolate and sweets by a whopping 25%. Also, it's illegal for any food to have more than 2% trans fats.
Critics say there's a "Big Brother" aspect to all this and the government has no right telling them what they should - or shouldn't - eat.
Others suggest that any tax hikes on fatty or sugary foods should be accompanied by measures that make nutritious foods more affordable.
Whatever Denmark's approach, it works. Danes are downright skinny compared with Americans: In Denmark, only about 10% of the population is obese. Here in the U.S., one-third of all adults and nearly 1 in 5 children are obese. And as a nation, we get fatter every day. It's disgusting.
Plus, it's not like we couldn't use the extra tax revenue these days.
Here’s my question to you: Should there be a tax on foods high in saturated fats?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Noel in New Mexico:
No. It's been said over and over and proven time and again you can't legislate morality. You can't legislate diet either. And if sales of fatty foods don't respond to taxes, what comes next? A Constitutional amendment prohibiting fat? Will I have to go to speakeasy to get a cheeseburger?
Stephen on Facebook:
Yes. They should make the tax as high as they want. It should be the same for tobacco and alcohol as well. People will complain, but they'll still pay for their fix like any other junkie will.
Julnor:
Our tax code should be designed to raise revenue, not for social engineering.
Annette:
Coming from someone who has lost over 65 pounds and kept it off, I believe losing weight is a lifestyle and one has to really want it in order to be successful. I say we should tax foods high in fat, but then use that money to help people get nutritional and fitness counseling who really want it but may not have the money or resources to do so.
Curtis in Philadelphia:
Sure, if we have taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, why not unhealthy foods. Don't drink, don't smoke, no tax, don't eat saturated fat, no tax. But if you really want to make money, Jack, legalize weed and tax it too. Then watch all the potheads get stoned, pay tax, get the munchies and pay more taxes. Great revenue stream.
Suzanne:
I thought after I grew up I wouldn't need a parent anymore. If I wanted someone else to run my life, I would have stayed with mom and dad.
Kent in Iowa City, Iowa:
No, as Americans it is our god-given right to eat ourselves to death.
Daniel:
That would be a super-sized McNo.