Warning labels may be an effective strategy for discouraging fatty snacks

In order to help curb America's obesity epidemic, some states have implemented junk food taxes, which many health experts say they hope will discourage unhealthy snack options. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Science indicated that labeling these products as high-fat may be a more effective strategy than imposing additional costs.

Lead researcher Sean Cash explained one possible tax loophole.

"Buying less soda pop is a rational response to a tax, but so is buying cheaper soda. A perverse outcome can actually happen," he said.

The researchers asked more than 350 shoppers to choose items from a store that had implemented a junk food tax and placed hypothetical warnings on products that were high in calories or fat.

The results showed that while many individuals were deterred by the tax alone, participants who had the highest body mass indexes were more likely to avoid labeled foods.

This finding indicates that policymakers may need to focus on labeling to address the consumers that are most likely to choose unhealthy options.

Shoppers who want to lose weight or sustain a balanced diet may consider opting for fruits, vegetables and whole grains.