Should thin people be taxed?

[Catso]

Given the earlier question, I think mine is a fair one.

By 'thin' I'm meaning people who don't eat enough or properly enough to keep themselves healthy IE anorexics, and possibly bulemics.

I do remember reading somewhere that even when people have have spent a period malnourished 'recover' there is almost always on-going consequences, for the rest of their lives.

So, these people refusing to eat properly are going to cost the NHS a lot of extra money. Should they be subject to extra taxes?

[Scarlett]

This is a very controversial issue. If you are going to tax anorexics then you also have to tax obese people. But honestly, these are DISEASES; nothing at all to do with being greedy or wanting to be thin. One day we will discobver the gene that causes obsessive/compulsive problems, or the part of the brain that does not work properly to tell people when they are full etc. I believe that none of these things are the person's fault. After all, who WANTS to weigh 20 stone? Who WANTS to look like a skeleton and not be able to eat?

If you tax people for having disorders that medical science does not yet fully understand then you may as well tax every other incurable disease that people can't help getting. More money should be spent researching the brain patterns of people with these disorders, finding a pattern and finding a cure. That is the only thing that will save the NHS money in the long run.

[smudge]

I should hope not - I've been slim all my life & have paid enough in taxes thank you!!!!

I do not think thin or obese people should be taxed - educated in food/eating habits, yes - taxed no!!!!

[happy_face]

I think it's only fair if they tax the fat they should tax the thin and the smokers and the drinkers because they cost just as much

[sue11]

My only suggestion to this would be that if someone has contributed to their poor health in a persistent manner and ignored medical advice, then yes perhaps they should pay some towards their treatment. In the same way that we can lose our no claim bonuses when we have a car accident perhaps we should consider bringing in some kind of no claim bonus on healthcare. I know that some people can't help being ill, but I am certain that lots of disease could be avoided through a change to a healthier way of living!