How Does The Fat Tax Work?
Now that we know why the Fat Tax is need and what it is, let's take a look at how it works.
Implementation, Enforcement, And Administration
As we previously discussed, the Fat Tax targets excessively fatty foods which are defined as any food containing more than 7.5 grams of fat per serving and therefore will need to be enforced anywhere these types of foods are sold.
We also discussed that the term "fat" is defined objectively using the commonly accepted and standardized BMI (Body Mass Index) classification system.
The beauty of the Fat Tax is the elegant way in which BMI is calculated on demand anytime an excessively fatty food is purchased.
Essentially, the Fat Tax will require any retail location selling excessively fatty foods to install a Fat Tax Calculation Device (FTCD) at each register. The FTCD will then seemlessly integrate into current Point-Of-Sale systems and determine the appropriate Fat Tax rate for fat taxable foods in REAL-TIME.
Below are the details about the FTCD prototype being developed right now.
Fat Tax Calculation Device
The FTCD is currently under development and is designed to be a cost effective yet highly reliable on-demand BMI calculator.
The three major components of the FTCD are:
- Modified Cattle Scale
- Laser Measuring Sensor
- LED Readout
Let's take a look at each individual component and its respective role within the FTCD device.
Modified Cattle Scale
Modified Cattle Scale
The modified cattle scale provides the weight measurement needed for the BMI calculation and is therefore an integral component to the FTCD. A cattle scale was chosen not only because it can accomodate the massive weight of even America's largest fattie but also because it will fit between checkout registers at a store with little modification.
Laser Measuring Sensor
Laser Measuring Sensor
The laser measuring sensor will be mounted on the ceiling of the store directly above each cattle scale and will allow the system to accurately calculate the height of the individual making the purchase and therefore provide the other major variable for the BMI calculation.
The laser measuring sensor will need to be initially calibrated for the distance between the floor and the ceiling.
Large LED Readout
LED Readout
For individuals with a BMI greater than 25, a large LED readout will display their BMI for the cashier to verify and for their reference. The LED readout will be placed in a high location as to not be obstructed from view. Chances are other customers will see the BMI reading which will hopefully lead to weight related heckling.
The LED Readout is essential to affecting the behavioral changes as described on the Fat Tax Benefits page.