WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation’s tribal council thinks it has the recipe for lowering obesity among its members: higher taxes on soda and junk food, the Wall Street Journal reports. Approved last week, the measures jack up the current tax of 5% for soft drinks and fatty snacks to 7%, while fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts get a pass altogether on taxes.

“We have to teach ourselves to watch what we eat and how much of it we eat,” said Jonathan Hale, a tribal-council member who supported the tax.

On the opposite side are those who are against any raising of taxes for the tribe’s poorer members. A higher tax on soda and snacks will drive business outside of the reservation.

“We're certainly going to see dollars leave the Navajo reservation,” said Joshua Butler, member of the council. He was against the soda and junk food tax, but for getting rid of taxes for healthful food.

The Navajo Nation, which occupies the biggest Native American reservation by land area, has more than 300,000 members, although not all reside on the reservation. Between 23% and 60% of Navajos are obese, according to information given at the council.

Other communities are pushing taxes on “unhealthy” foods and beverages. This week, the council of San Francisco will consider another bill that would tax soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks.