A New Zealand think tank is out with a new report explaining why taxes do not improve public health.

The New Zealand Initiative’s report, The Health of the State, says there is little evidence that a sugar tax does anything to improve public health.

"There is little robust evidence to suggest these policies are actually changing behaviour in the way they are meant to," Dr. Oliver Hartwich, New Zealand Initiative executive director told Newshub.

"What we are seeing nowadays goes far beyond old-fashioned paternalism. Whether it is salt, fat, or sugar, there is hardly a food ingredient around where there are no discussions about potential regulations, taxes, or even bans."

Obesity is a complex issue that has many contributing causes that include diet, genetics and age. Targeting a single ingredient or product does not change behaviors that can lead to obesity or obesity-related conditions like diabetes.

Dr. Hartwich further states, "There are no silver bullets out there. If you really care about obesity and nutrition, and also respect people's right to choose for themselves, alternatives like education can ensure that people make informed choices, even if those choices might not always be what a nutritionist would recommend."

We understand that challenges such as obesity are complex and must be addressed through education. That is why America’s beverage companies are dedicated to bringing solutions that actually work to communities. Our industry is helping consumers achieve a balanced lifestyle by providing them with the options and information they need to make the choices that are right for them.

To learn more about why taxes don’t make people healthy, visit YourCartYourChoice.com.