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This study found decreased consumption of non-essential energy dense foods after a sales tax was imposed upon the items. Comment: In January 2014, the Mexican government implemented an 8% tax on nonessential foods with energy density ≥275 kcal/100 g and a peso-per-liter tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in an effort to combat obesity and diabetes. The poorest households decreased consumption of these goods by 10% and the middle socio-economic group households decreased consumption by 5%, whereas the high socio-economic group households did not decrease consumption. This is how taxes should be used, i.e. to discourage certain harmful behaviors (e.g. smoking) and encourage good behaviors (such as charitable donations). PLoS Med. 2016 Jul 5;13(7):e1002057.    (retrieved Jul, 2016). There are currently 1090 pearls in the database. While every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, mistakes can and do occur. Use databank at your own risk. All pearls © 2024 by the Internet Medical Association. Click Here to view more medical pearls.