Illinois Considers 'Obesity Tax'

A coalition of groups is in the very early stages of mapping out a plan to fight fat in Illinois. Sugared beverage consumption has tracked with rising obesity rates – so it's getting some attention.

Pop after pop might feel good going down, but it can put on the pounds. That's the case with any higher calorie drink.

Illinois Public Health Institute CEO Elissa Bassler said, "Maybe changing the ways we use beverages can be a part of handling obesity."

The idea is spreading across the country and here in Illinois, home to the fourth worst rate of childhood obesity. Enter tax talk.

"Some of the current research is talking about a penny or two cents an ounce as needed to be expensive enough to affect consumption," said Bassler.

So if policy followed research, a two liter might cost you anywhere from 60 cents to $1.20 more.