Once a year, everyone must go to a doctor and get their BMI done and have it reported to the government.
Anyone overweight pays 30% more and
anyone obese pays 60% more
No we can't raise taxes on those who act irresponsibly. But we can increase their insurance rates.
I want to respond to Jim's comments "If we're going to that extent, what about smokers? What about people who don't ... wear seat belts? have unprotected sex? Once that door is opened, any behavior that can be measured can (and knowing the government, eventually will be) taxed."
1. We do have a tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products. This is effectively a tax on smokers.
2. We do charge those who do not wear seat belts money, although we call it a fine, not a tax.
3. Unprotected sex cannot be measured, except perhaps by counting pregnancies. Applying a tax based on frequency of pregnancy would lead to women having abortions in secret (to keep the government from knowing that they were pregnant) with a substantial societal cost to treat the injuries from unsafe abortions.
I am not obese but I strongly disagree with that plan. The cornerstone of any democracy is freedom of choice, as long as you are not harming others with your actions. Being overweight certainly harms the individual who is overweight, makes them less productive to society and costs us all in added medical problems that we all pay for in higher insurance premiums. But those are financial hardships, not a danger to other people.
If we're going to that extent, what about smokers? What about people who don't exercise three times per week? Don't wear seat belts? have unprotected sex? Once that door is opened, any behavior that can be measured can (and knowing the government, eventually will be) taxed.
Like it or not, the right to abuse ourselves health-wise is the right of all Americans.
How about a 200% tax on Nosy Nellies who think that they should control what other people do with their lives and bodies?