I ask because for example Singapore has extremely harsh labeling and yet they've seen an increase recently.
Sorry if I mis-understood your point.
https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/pressRoom/Parlia...
Warning!! THESE LABELS ARE GROSS!!! https://www.google.es/search?q=singapore+cigarettes+labels&t...
The last time I smoked, a pack of cigarettes cost about $2.50. Now it's over $7.
> Most consumers aren't idiots. But they're aren't scientists or academic researchers for the most part either. Bring them relevant, accurate information and they are capable of making rational choices.
In the US, cigarettes have had warning labels for almost 50 years and still ~20% of the population smokes.
While 20% of the population still smokes, the incidence rate has hugely decreased over time[0].
According to the CDC, in 1965, ~43% of the population smoked. In 2011, it was just under 20%, with a goal of 12% by 2020.
Transparent labeling, increased regulation and awareness, plus general advances in understanding the consequences of smoking have had a massive effect on the rates of smoking. It's not perfect, but a similar reduction in obesity over the next 50 years would be an incredible accomplishment.
Now if only we could tackle that burgeoning mental health problem...
[0] - http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/tables/trends/cig...