In 2014, Bloomberg attempted to implement a ban on the sale of soft drinks larger than 16 ounces within NYC as a means to combat the increase in obesity (particularly childhood obesity) in America. According to the CDC, about a third of Americans are obese. Obesity can cause a myriad of health risks such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gallstones, and certain types of cancers. Obese children are also at risk of developing diabetes and breathing problems (such as asthma) in response to their weight and are more likely to be overweight as adult.
On the one hand, putting a cap on the amount of soda an individual can buy per cup/container is a seemingly effective solution. Not unlike increasing the sales tax on cigarettes, putting a limit on the size of soft drinks available to the public (and potentially making them pay more if they want to purchase more than 16 oz.) would deter people from consuming large quantities of soda and help prevent health issues (such as diabetes) and weight gain. However, limiting the availability of soft drinks may prompt the city to put a limitation or ban on other “unhealthy” food choices (particularly on fast food).
While consistent consumption of “fast” and processed food can be harmful due to the high salt, caloric, and cholesterol content, people in certain areas of the city and under certain economic constraints rely on fast food to feed their families. With the increasing divide between the upper, middle, and lower class as well as the disappearance of supermarkets from Manhattan, some New Yorkers find themselves in “Food Deserts” or areas of the city where supermarkets and bodegas with fresh food are not readily available. Other New Yorkers simply do not have the time to cook for their families while working multiple jobs or cannot afford the increasing cost of fresh fruits and vegetables (due to the supermarkets hiking up their prices in order to cover their rent). Without the availability (both economically and geographically) of fast food chains, these individuals may not be able to reliable feed their families.
In my opinion, it would be more effective to educate the public on the life-long effects of obesity and promote increased outdoor activity and healthy eating habits (including liquid consumption) rather than outright banning sugar-y drinks, which only curtails the American public’s access to sugar rather than striving to cure it’s addiction to it.
Grynbaum, Michael M. “New York’s Ban on Big Sodas Is Rejected by Final Court.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 26 June 2014. Web. 28 Mar. 2017. <https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/nyregion/city-loses-final-appeal-on-limiting-sales-of-large-sodas.html?_r=0>.
“Childhood Obesity Causes & Consequences.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Dec. 2016. Web. 28 Mar. 2017. <https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html>.
“Adult Obesity Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 01 Sept. 2016. Web. 28 Mar. 2017. <https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html>.
