Stanford School of Medicine suggests banning use of food stamps for sodas

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) -- A new study from the Stanford School of Medicine offers a scientific suggestion for improving the nation's health.

The Stanford researchers say banning the use of food stamps for sugary beverages like sodas and energy drinks would reduce diabetes and obesity.

Using a computer simulation of eating habits and food prices, the study says 420,000 fewer people would become obese; and type-two diabetes cases would decline by 2.3 percent.

They also suggest rewarding food stamp recipients with an extra 30 cents, for every $1 they spend on fruits and vegetables.