Expert panel endorses junk food tax to fight childhood obesity

In the latest Los Angeles obesity news, a blue-ribbon panel has thrown its support behind taxing junk food in order to fight childhood obesity.

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has issued a report that suggests that taxing junk food can help children  develop healthier eating habits and weight loss.

Raising the price of sugary sodas by 10 percent would result in a significant decrease in cola consumption, according to some experts.

The panel also suggested a measures that LA has already adopted: Requiring restaurants to provide calorie information on their menus.