Interesting topic today JC. Indeed not all fats are equal, even through the energy content of them is essentially the same. Fatty acids are integral to the structure of our cell membranes, and by changing the type of fat one eats, over time the structure of these membranes alters to reflect the diet. The old adage "you are what you eat" is particularly true in this case. Saturated fats, such as palmitic acid tend to have an adverse effect on blood lipids and cause an increase in LDL cholesterol levels, which is bad. The cell membranes also become less fluid because of the way saturated fatty acids bond together. Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil tend to be modestly positive in terms of health effect. Indeed some research has shown that increased consumption of these fats at the expense of carbohydrates may have a modest effect of weight reduction. The polyunsaturated are divided into the "omega 6" and "omega 3" classes. There is some debate over the benefits of "omega 6", which might exacerbate some inflammatory conditions. "omega 3" particularly those from fish are quite potent in their effects on the human body, lowering blood fats, inflammation and blood pressure. We should all probably eat more oily fish.

ahh but the most delicious and addictive (profitable) must be the trans fatty substances that act as health destroying by steath substances? I think a tax that subsidises the lap band surgery for everyone is a wonderfull idea. We can eat our fill constanty then? All you can eat restuarants for lap banders only will be a really profitable venture? Spew buckets alongside the ice bucket can be a new innovation. eat all you can - puke then start all over again? Just talking fat addiction is only part of the story, fries just dont taste nice without heaps of salt! The pretty smiling face that asks 'would you like fries with that?" should be replaced with the "grim reapers ' eager encouraging grin? Then of course we have sugar and spices . The misery that millions of slaves endured to make europeans overindulge is greater than any asbestos dishonesty. but i'm off topic with that one -dont start me on people, food, underindulgence and glutteny - and now I will regurgitate "the seven deadly sins" and the seven heavenly virtues. Fat and its consumption is just a small part of the holistic jigsaw picture of spiritual, mental and physical health. i forsee a day of "chewing the fat "

Western countries have now become like that great 60s TV show "Land of the Giants", but without the good theme music.

You can't tax poor self-discipline or legislate stupidity out of existence. Keep your taxes off my dinner plate, Jeff - Nanny Niccola doesn't need any more "public health" issues on her agenda. It's not that hard to pick up an apple instead of a sausage roll.

Can we please stop it with sin taxes? Beyond that, can we please have a government that is progressive enough to look to reduce it's reliance upon taxation as a revenue stream and start investing in our future?

Even better, "Direct", a Government that gives up on most tax revenue and leaves us to decide our own futures.

Perhaps we could lump the fatty tax with the carbon trading tax and then all the fat cats could discuss in Copenhagen. Memo Direct: We as a country now own about 2/5 of bugger all. All the multi nationals are offshore and attract minimal tax so that leaves the poor tax payers, poker machines and punters to fund almost everything needed to keep the Prime Ministerial jet in the air.

the problem though is that people aren't making these healthier choices and we will all end up paying through the health system. Why not tax at user level, rather than tax all of us more to pay for the results of the excess of some?

I'm a strong advocate for people paying their way through life. Should cigarettes be taxed at a rate that adequately recovers the FULL cost to society of the health disaster they cause? OF COURSE! Should alcohol be similarly taxed? OF COURSE! Should food products be objectively rated, and taxed according to their helath impact? Of course.....but that would be very difficult. If I eat ONE greasy, crappy fast 'food' meal per year.....it won't affect my health. If I eat one per day...it will affect my health. We know obesity and heart disease is a major issue at a population level. Maybe a reverse technique is needed ~ any prepared food item or 'meal' that doesn't get the Heart Foundation 'tick' pay a levy........of course, it would be nice to think that people could take full responsibility for their health and their impact on society. But that will never happen, and that give those of us who DO a great advantage.

i suggest a weight pad/scales in front of the register at Maccas. If the weight of the customer exceeds a predetermined level then sirens blare and lights flash and a booming voice says "NO MORE - IT'S THE LAW !!!"