Popkins research focuses on the impact of programs and policies meant to improve the health of various global populations during times of transition. One study explored the potential outcome of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes. The project sought to estimate the potential health effects of such a fiscal strategy in India. Popkin speaks Hindi and has lived over a year in India, mainly in Jhuggi Jhompri in Old Delhi from 1965-66. He works currently with the government on policy-related issues regarding healthy food.