Several of the nation’s leading health experts are calling for a tax on soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks as a means of curbing America’s ever growing obesity epidemic, with children as the age bracket with the highest levels of rising obesity. A report was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine touting the benefits of such a tax.

From the report:

“We can raise much-needed dollars while likely reducing obesity prevalence, which is a major driver of health care costs,” the paper states. “Ultimately the government needs to raise more money to cover the deficit, and in terms of ways of raising that revenue, a tax on sugar sweetened beverages is really a no-brainer.”

Often referred to as a “sin” tax, the soda tax has been likened to the increased taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products that are so clearly unhealthy. On a federal level, the proposed tax is just about one cent per ounce, so it works out to an additional 12 cents per can. Reports have stated that this could bring in as much as $20 million a year in revenue, directly funneled to the health care reform efforts. That amount, though, falls drastically short of the amount needed for health care reform, and skeptics are critical of the efficacy of such a tax.

“By itself it would probably not really directly impact health care costs because there are so many other foods in addition to pop that has had an impact on the increase in obesity in the country,” said political science professor Don Vermillion. “If you really want impact on health care you would probably attack not just pop but snack foods in addition. Also, the Centers for Disease Control talks about how it’s not just food and drink we have a problem with but lack of exercise, which impacts obesity and health care costs.”

If there was a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages – including Gatorade, Vitamin Water and sodas – would it change your drinking habits? Or would you cut back in other areas? Don’t forget, water is free, and the best thing you can drink for your body.

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Can a Soda Tax Prevent Obesity?

Jillian Michaels Sued because of Diet Pill Claims

A class action lawsuit was filed last week in L.A. against the Biggest Loser trainer by a woman claiming false advertising after she didn’t experience the promised results.

Kevin Smith Forced off Airplane for Being too Fat to Fly

The popular director was escorted off a Southwest Airlines flight after being told he didn’t fit in the seat and was putting other passengers in harm’s way.

Kirstie Alley’s Big Life Premieres March 21 on A&E

The star takes her on-again, off-again weight loss struggle to the reality TV stage, and documents her journey to lose 85 pounds while also creating her own weight loss plan.

Insanity Workout vs. P90X

We put the two most popular at-home workout programs side-by-side to help you decide which is best suited for your goals.

Recession Diet: Healthy Eating on the Cheap

Too strapped to buy healthy foods? Think again. We make a few suggestions to put more nutritious items in your cart and budget.

New Diet Reviews - Now with more than 1,100 published.

• Insanity Workout
• Skecher’s Shape-ups
• High School Reunion Diet
• Eat Out, Eat Right
• The New Atkins for a New You

New Diet Videos and Slideshows

• Video: Busy Mom Diet Tips from Cutie Booty Cakes
• Video: Long Distance Running Tips from Her Bad Mother
• Video: Jamie Oliver’s TED Speech on Childhood Obesity
• Video: Replace Sugar with Truvia
• Slideshow: Winter Olympics Athlete Spotlight

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Weight Loss News in Review – Week of February 14

February is American Heart Month. Learn more about heart health all month long, and how you can prevent the number one killer in the U.S. Look for new articles throughout the month of February and regular tips via our Twitter @dietsinreview.

Lose Weight Gain a Healthy Heart

Five Foods That Will Save Your Heart

Top Five Foods to Lower Cholesterol

Most Popular Yoga Classes

The benefits of yoga are plentiful no matter which style of the ancient practice you choose to follow. Learn more about Bikram, Ayurveda and more.

A Beginner’s Guide to Kettlebells

An increasingly popular workout is the use of kettlebells. Find out what the benefits are and the safest way to start a regimen.

Ellen DeGeneres Gives Up Sugar

The talk show star is giving up sugar for the remainder of the year. Find out what her motivation is.

New Diet Reviews - Now with more than 1,100 published.

• Dole Banana Diet
• ThighGlider
• 5-Hour Energy Shots
• Your Shape, by Jenny McCarthy

New Diet Videos and Slideshows

• Video: Amanda’s Biggest Loser Week 5 Recap
• Video: Swap Spaghetti Squash for Pasta
• Video: Is a Fast-Food Diet Healthy?
• Slideshow: John Crutchfield’s Biggest Loser 9 Journey

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Weight Loss News in Review – Week of January 31

Alli Weight Loss Pill to Star in its Own Documentary

While the topic may be about American’s eating habits, it may just be a cover for a lengthy and high-budget Alli infomercial.

Dangerous Fake Alli Sold Online

Consumers buying Alli online are being warned that it may not be what they’ve purchased, but instead a dangerous imposter.

Obesity Rates Level Off

New reports show that the escalating weight of Americans has reached a plateau.

Biggest Loser Casting Season 10

If you’ve got 100 pounds or more to lose and think you’ve got what it takes to face Jillian and Bob head-on, then get your application in today!

Michelle Obama Fights Childhood Obesity in New Initiative

The first lady continues her passionate work in reversing America’s childhood obesity trend.

New Diet Reviews – Now with more than 1,100 published!

• Valerie Bertinelli: Finding It
• Biggest Loser: 6 Weeks to a Healthier You
• Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat
• The Belly Burner
• Slim Weight Patch

New Diet Videos and Slideshows

• Video: Amanda’s Quick Tip: Wheat Bread vs. White Bread
• Video: Amanda’s Biggest Loser Behind the Scenes Q&A
• Video: Biggest Loser Week 3 Recap
• Slideshow: Maria Ventrella’s Biggest Loser Journey
• Slideshow: Girl Scout Cookies Nutrition Facts

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Weight Loss News In Review – Week of January 17

Understanding Haiti’s Health Crisis

As this small Caribbean nation recovers from devastating earthquake, the reality of the nation’s poor health situation is brought to light.

Special Diets for Autism Unproven

Recently, an expert panel came to the conclusion that there is no “rigorous evidence” that digestive problems are more common in children with autism compared to other children, or that a special diet would work.

Weight Loss Tea Makers Lose Legal Battle

A couple of companies making money off of bogus weight loss claims with tea diet products were hit with hefty fines by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Biggest Loser Know Your Number HealthScore

For a minor $90 investment, you can get the thorough health test that the Biggest Losers receive and save your life!

Bravo Casting Thintervention with Jackie Warner

This fitness star is returning to Bravo in a new fitness reality show where those in need of losing weight face-off with Jackie.

Jenny Craig’s Valerie Bertinelli to Run Boston Marathon

The successful face of Jenny Craig will celebrate her 50th birthday by taking on the 26.2 mile foot race in April.

New Diet Reviews - Now with more than 1,100 published.

• Gluten-Free, Hassle Free
• Tell me What to Eat if I have Celiac Disease
• Expect the Best
• How to Eat Well and Not Wear It
• The Calorie Counter for Dummies
• Nutrition at Your Fingertips

Diet Videos and Slideshows

• Video: Biggest Loser 9.2 Recap, featuring Amanda Arlauskas
• Slideshow: Patti Anderson’s Biggest Loser 9 Journey
• Slideshow: Food Label Glossary

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Weight Loss News In Review – Week of January 10

As tens of thousands are feared dead and international humanitarian efforts are underway, it is important to consider just how serious this disaster is for the nine million citizens of this impoverished country. And in order to do that, a glimpse into the health challenges that Haiti faces can provide a subtle background into just how dire the situation is and how serious it may become in the coming days, weeks and months.

The following statistics are from a report developed by the United Nation’s Development Programme (UNDP):

• Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with more than half of the population living on one dollar or less a day.
• The country ranks along with Afghanistan and Somalia with the world’s worst daily caloric deficit per inhabitant.
• One out of every three deaths is a child, and Haiti’s rate of 118 deaths per thousand live births for the period studied is by far the highest in the Western Hemisphere and likely to get worse.
• Sixty percent to 80 percent of the population is at risk of exposure to malaria while the incidence of tuberculosis is endemic and is the sixth-largest cause of death.
• At current rates of transmission, 10.5 percent of the population will be infected with HIV/AIDS by 2015, compared to 6.31 in 2002 and 4.98 in 1996.
• According to the World Food Programme, acute undernutrition among children under five years of age is 9 percent. Chronic undernutrition is 24 percent and 50 percent of pregnant women and two-thirds of children under five are affected by anemia.

These statistics are nothing short of daunting. And while it is in our intrinsic human nature to want to reach out to the Haitians and offer what support we can, government officials are encouraging those who want to donate money to do so to reputable and well-known relief agencies. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) and the Red Cross are two such organizations. Find them on Twitter @MSF_USA and @RedCross.

In the wake of this humanitarian crisis, the thoughts and condolences of the entire DietsInReview.com team are with those who are directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy.

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Understanding Haiti’s Health Crisis

A Beginner’s Guide to the Gym

If your resolution involves getting fit or losing weight, but you’re a newbie at the gym, hear what our fitness expert Matt Johnson thinks you need to know before you get started.

How to Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days

Losing ten pounds this month is an attainable goal, when you do it the healthy way and follow these fitness and eating tips.

The Healthiest Diets for Women

With thousands of diets on the market, these are the few that stand out as having healthy approaches for women.

Trans Fat Ban Starts in California

January 1 a new law took affect in California banning the use of trans fats in restaurants.

Taco Bell’s Drive-Thru Diet

This one just makes us say “really?”. Learn more about the “diet” the fast-food giant is pushing.

Kim Kardashian Tweets Herself into a Cookie Diet Lawsuit

This celeb gets paid to Tweet, and now she might have to pay for tweeting about the Cookie Diet.

Jason Alexander Joins Jenny Craig

The first male face of the Jenny Craig program in quite some time was announced yesterday, with hopes of mastering his weight loss.

Popular Diet Reviews – This Week

• Jillian Michaels’ Detox and Cleanse
• 400 Calorie Fix
• O2 Diet
• More Best Diets, as ranked by our community

New Diet Reviews – Now with more than 1,100 published!

• eDiets Fresh Prepared
• Now Eat This!
• Fat to Skinny Fast and Easy
• The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Glycemic Index Weight Loss
• Denise’s Daily Dozen
• AntiCancer
• Apex Fat Burning

New Diet Videos and Slideshows

• Video: Biggest Loser Recap: Season 9 Episode 1
• Video: Decoding Food Labels
• Slideshow: James Crutchfield’s Biggest Loser 9 Journey

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Weight Loss News In Review – Week of January 3

That’s why we have a number of health-focused newsletters, allowing each member of our community to receive the news that they are most interested in reading. Learn more about our free newsletters and subscribe to one, two or all of the issues that best suit your lifestyle.

DietsInReview.com Newsletter

• General newsletter featuring the best content from the site
• Delivers every other Tuesday
• Feature health topics like diabetes, cancer prevention, seasonal fitness tips, and more!
• Two healthy recipes you and your family will love!
• The newest diet reviews
• Feature video or slideshow
• Giveaway notifications
• Latest diet blog articles

Biggest Loser Updates Newsletter

• For die-hard fans of NBC’s Biggest Loser
• Delivers each Wednesday following new episodes of Biggest Loser
• Eliminated contestant interview
• Eliminated contestant slideshow of their journey
• Episode recap video with former Biggest Loser contestants (for season nine, it’s Amanda Arlauskas!)
• Biggest Loser recipes
• The latest news about the show, contestants and trainers
• Contestant weight loss tracker

Natural Health Newsletter

• For those seeking a more natural or holistic approach to wellness
• Written by our resident holistic health counselor, Amy Vermeer; in partnership with EatLiveLaugh.com
• Delivers monthly
• Feature health or nutrition article, including healthier cooking, reading food labels and disease prevention
• Recipe of the month
• Giving back – showcasing a new charitable organization each month
• In the news – highlighting natural health-related news items

Mom to Mom Newsletter

• Created specifically for moms leading a healthy lifestyle and dedicated to creating one for their families
• Written by our Chief Mom, Carmen Staicer
• Delivers monthly
• Focused on:
  • Family: Learn about a new way your family can spend quality time together, like a craft project or other activity
  • Fitness: Tips for how you can stay active, and keep it interesting, with or without the kids
  • Food: Featuring a new healthy recipe each month
  • Fun: Because there’s always time to enjoy the day! Includes play lists, family-friendly jokes, and more!

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Subscribe to the Free DietsInReview.com Newsletters

Now we take a look at the headlines that were most viewed on DietsInReview.com during 2009, a broad mix of health, diet, fitness and other related topics.

1. HCG Diet: Look Elsewhere for Weight Loss

2. Biggest Loser’s Erik Chopin Gains it Back

3. Jillian Michaels Reveals She May Not Stay with Biggest Loser (we now know she’s on through season nine at least)

4. Hydroxycut Recall after FDA Warning to Stop Using the Diet Pill

5. Lifetime’s Cook Yourself Thin is a New Healthy Cooking Show

6. Rush Limbaugh Loses Weight with Quick Weight Loss Centers

7. Swim for an Effective Total Body Workout

8. EA Sports Active Personal Trainer for the Wii

9. McDonald’s Angus Burgers are a Nutritional Nightmare on a Bun

10. FDA Warns About 28 Online Diet Pills

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Top Diet and Weight Loss News of 2009

Group Wants Meridia Banned Due to Risk of Heart Deaths

The popular prescription weight loss drug Meridia is coming under fire following the deaths of more than 80 people using the drug. A consumer advocacy group is urging the FDA to pull this product from the market.

Biggest Loser Season 9: Meet the New Contestants

On Jan. 5, 22 new individuals will move in to the Biggest Loser ranch and go head-to-head with Jillian and Bob to shed miraculous weight. Meet the new cast of eleven teams of two, including one man who weighs more than 500 pounds.

Consider a Corporate Wellness Program in 2010

Better understand the benefits of introducing a wellness program in your company and help the entire staff get in better shape in the new year.

Jenny Craig Spokeswomen are Inspiring

Meet the many faces of the Jenny Craig program and hear how the healthy weight loss plan has helped them reach their goal weights.

Kourtney Kardashian to Shed Baby Weight with QuickTrim

It seemed this Kardashian sister made a double announcement this week: both the name of her newborn son and how she planned to get back into pre-baby shape. She and her mother will be using the supplement and detox program QuickTrim.

24 Hour Fitness Offers Members a Versatile and Family-Friendly Gym

24 Hour Fitness became a household name as one of the primary sponsors of NBC’s Biggest Loser. Learn more about this nationwide fitness chain and the broad variety of ways that suit each member’s lifestyle and needs.

New Diet Reviews

• Meridia
• Shaklee
• Plexus Slim
• Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook
• No White Foods Diet
• Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
• 101 Optimal Life Foods

New Diet Videos and Slideshows

• Video: Biggest Loser Winner Danny Cahill – Finale Interview
• Video: Biggest Loser At-Home Winner Rebecca Meyer – Finale Interview
• Video: Biggest Loser 8 Finale Interviews
• Slideshow: 2009 Diet Trends
• Slideshow: 25 Most Popular Diets of 2009

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Weight Loss News in Review: Week of December 13