This is a special time for our country politically and there are huge issues being debated on a daily basis. While ‘soda’ is not necessarily one of those issues, American healthcare is an issue and for many people, so is American obesity. The statistics are kind of insane and I’m certainly not opposed to organizations and movements that seek to educate and encourage us all to live healthier lives. I’m eternally grateful to Trent, who– at the very least– makes me think really hard about running, like, all the time :) But the mayor of New York City (billionaire Bloomberg) has just passed a controversial ban on extra large soft drinks (as in, larger than 16 0z.) from restaurants, movie theatres, and fast food joints in an attempt to… what? Stop obesity? Force people to make healthier choices? I’m not exactly sure. And while the ban may have many, many positive effects, it also poses a host of serious questions about government involvement in the daily lives and decisions of Americans. Click inside to learn more about the ban, and to join me in a discussion of political or social freedoms and soda (or pop, shouts-out to Cleveland)- related rights.
The lovely ladies over at HelloGiggles covered the story and interviewed a nutrition expert as well:
As you may have heard, Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed ban on large sugar-sweetened drinks was approved by the New York City’s Board of Health yesterday morning. This ban means that all restaurants, fast-food joints, delis, movie theaters, sports stadiums and even food carts in the city will be barred from selling sugar-sweetened drinks in cups larger than 16 ounces.
I would be compelled to say that this is ridiculous and unnecessary. I would say that soda is a small part of the obesity equation. I would also say that this is America, and if people want to fill their insides with processed, sugar water served in trough-sized containers, that is their choice and their right to do so. I would say these things, even shout them from my balcony filled with neglected and malnourished plants, if I thought we, as a nation, could make responsible and conscious decisions when it comes to our overall health. However, it is clear from the staggering percentage of Americans classified as obese (35.7%!) that we need some supervision…
So Mary, as a dietitian, do you think this ban in NYC is a step in the right direction in terms of combating obesity?
Yes. Every little bit helps. It will make people think twice before drinking large amounts of sugary liquids just because they are there. Large servings make it too easy for people to over-consume sugar and calories. Research does link sugary drinks to poor diet quality, weight gain, obesity and, in adults, type 2 diabetes. On average, obese people spend $1,400 more a year on health care compared to someone of normal weight. The mayor is just looking out for our physical and fiscal health.
If people choose to order a second serving of a sugary beverage, they will be allowed to do so. Do you think the people that have been ordering these gigantic drinks will just do that instead?
Yes. At first, those people may choose to buy two 16-ounce sodas just because they can and to protest the infringement on their civil liberties, but in time, people will get tired of paying for two sodas and giant-size portions will look strange. The mayor’s efforts to make the city healthier are usually met with opposition, but people get used to them over time.
Clearly, customers have never been forced to order these super-sized drinks. The ones that have and do on a regular basis, choose this option themselves. Why do you think Mayor Bloomberg chose to ban beverages and not food? Aren’t there numerous food options that are just as unhealthy?
Research doesn’t show sugary drinks cause obesity, but they do link sugary drinks to poor diet quality, weight gain, obesity and type 2 diabetes. But soda is also a low hanging fruit. It is a single substance that is easy to identify, and unlike other problem foods (e.g. French fries, burgers), it has no redeeming nutritional value. No one can argue that soda is a necessary food, yet so many people choose to indulge. Or do they even think about it? Now they might.
I think this is a great public health project because it affects young people. According to NHANES data, approximately one-half of the population over age 2 drinks sugary drinks every day, and among boys aged 2–19, 70% consume sugar drinks on any given day! Let’s nip that bad habit in the bud.
Do you think this ban will spread to other states?
It could move in that direction. That’s the way it works. In 2008, New York City was the first to pass a law mandating the posting of calories on chain restaurant menus, and now it’s a national law. The champions of public health will push it.
Read the rest of the interview here.
Here’s my thing. I don’t drink those ginormous sodas on the regular, although I’ve been known to share one with the love of my life in the movie theatre. I can live without that option, I suppose, lol. But something does not sit well with me on this and I think it’s the ‘what’s next?’ factor. Civil liberties is a tricky notion. If the NYC government has the right to control how much their citizens drink of something they deem unhealthy (and I think we can all agree with the nutritionist, that soda has no redeeming value), then what else will they choose to ban and will we always be okay with those things?
Ultimately, this is awesome news and I don’t mean to take away from that. It’s like when the documentary Super Size Me came out and McDonald’s started making small changes to their menu– awesome! But I also love art and the idea of art having impact; I do not love Bloomberg (I love no politician, it’s not personal) so I don’t love this ban! Also, without minimizing the obesity problem, I can’t help but feel like there are more important things the NYC government should be concerned with other than our soda intake. But maybe that’s just me.
I’d love to hear what you guys think about this. Is the soda ban a move in the right direction for a better, healthier America, or a means of treading on our rights as citizens?
I have mixed feelings about this — I remember years back when people were still allowed to smoke inside restaurants, and there was a huge push to ban this because it affected OTHER people trying to enjoy having a nice meal. I remember thinking though that if the restaurant owners thought inside smoking hurt their patrons, they should have the mind to ban it themselves. I’m not a smoker, so the law has only had a positive affect on me, but I do wonder where we should draw the line… Is NYC’s Big Gulp habit so bad that the gov’t needs to step in?!
I don’t know the terms of the debate in NYC about smoking in restaurants (and later, bars) but in California the issue ultimately was the employees’ health. Because they could not limit their exposure to second-hand smoke on the job, it was an occupational health issue. (In the same way that being forced to use toxic cleaning supplies in an unventilated space would be.) Though many employers objected on the grounds that it would harm their profits, it was a legitimate policy issue.
Karen, thanks for weighing in here. I never knew that that was part of the reasoning behind the ban but I’m not a smoker and CANNOT handle that stuff so I definitely respect the logic in that ban (esp. when, as you explain, employees are the ones at risk).
Lexie, ” Is NYC’s Big Gulp habit so bad that the gov’t needs to step in?!”
LMAO, I guess so! And I do think obesity is a huge issue in NYC and other places, I just hate being told what do/drink!!!! Lol.
I think people are making too big of a deal out of this. If you still want 16 ounces you can still drink 16 ounces, just not out of one cup. It will make people think about if they really need more- and if they’re stupid and want to prove a point by risking their health, let them. It’s kinda like cities banning plastic bags (maybe, not really?) but it’s a CUP.
Ok, done rambling now :)
Dictator-for Life wannabe mayor Bloomberg who thinks he’ s beig pc does what he wants to do. Instead of working about smoking bans and soda this is one NYer who thinks h should being more interested in his own company and heir reatment of women, gays nd veryone else. Why does he not ban Nathans Hot Dogs, Pretzels, Corn Beef Sandwichs, mcDonalds, pastry Shops and pizza stores. All make people fat. There must be a 3rd world country that need a dictator…Inthe mentime, he can go to le Cirque for a low calorie lunch.
I don’t think people realize how many people die of diabetes complications. If you want to drink 16oz of sugar fizz go to the grocery store. I don;t think there’s anything wrong with making it harder for people to kill themselves slowly.
My big problem is this doesn’t affect “juices” like Fruitopia which have MORE sugar than Coke. It also doesn’t affect Venti 600+ calorie Frappucinos so what is the point really? If I want to drink one it’s my fat ass that suffers, not some one else. And why 16oz? I thought banning anything larger than 24oz would be more reasonable because 24oz is a standard medium everywhere. Most fast food places also have free refills so are they going to ban that as well? This logic is so flawed it’s stupid how it made it this far.
I think this ban is ridiculous. Educated people do not order these large soda’s because they know its bad for them. So basically, this law is telling us that we’re too stupid to make the right decision when it comes to ordering soda. I mean – r u serious?? This is a slipperly slope that I DO NOT support. Why not take aim at the actual problem – EDUCATION!!!!!! If we educate, then this wont be a problem.
You’d think that would be the case, but how often do you see nurses and doctors smoking outside on their break? You’d think they would be the most well educated people on the negative effects of smoking but they still do it. Just because we know it’s wrong, doesn’t mean we’re going to stop.
You’d think that would be the case, but how often do you see nurses and doctors smoking outside on their break? You’d think they would be the most well educated people on the negative effects of smoking but they still do it. Just because you know it’s wrong, doesn’t mean you’re going to stop.
As much as I defend civil rights and liberties I totally agree with this ban. I think NYC is such a trendsetter that even it’s public policy get imitated nation wide. I also agree with the dietician opinions regarding the mayor’s concerns about both his citizens health and fiscal health. This is part of all the small changes to fight obesity. I think one of the demographics that will benefit the most from this will be children.
I seriously believe some food creations should be illegal. It’s easy to create appetizing food with lots of cheap flavors enhancers such as sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. This goes beyond our liberties because this is just a small tool to counterweight the unlimited power of the food corporations. This corporations have almost no virtual limits regarding how and when they market and promote their creations. Let’s don’t forget fast food is created to be addictive and irresistible and a considerable part of their efforts is targeted towards children. I recommend the documentary “Food Inc.” It’s worth watching.
I don’t have a strong opinion either way about the soda ban. But here’s an interesting thought – why not label large (over 16 oz) sugary drinks with a disclaimer similar to what we put on cigarettes/alcohol: “Over-consumption of sugar has been linked to weight gain, obesity and type 2 diabetes.” There’s really no reason for anyone to drink a big gulp soda and people need to start taking more responsibility for their health.
I have mixed feelings also. It’s sad that the American people are so unconcerned about their health that the government has to force them to stop drinking a monstrous cup of sugar. And I’ve heard the argument that it affects the person who decides to buy it and no one else but that’s not true. It affects our healthcare system because these people need so much more care, which affects everyone. At the same time, should our government really have the power to tell us what/what not to drink? They did the same thing when they banned the four loko drinks. Ultimately it’s to help save lives, but it’s just a slippery slope.
I’m definitely pro-ban. If people want to drink more than 16 oz. of soda, buy another one. Chances are they will stop doing that eventually, so it can only be a benefit to them. This does not have any single negative effect on someone other than perhaps the company’s profit. I don’t think the “government involvement in daily life” factor is a big deal here – they control a lot of aspects of our daily life that we’ve just lived with for a really long time so it’s not even looked at as a separate issue.
I think it’s an amazing idea. I live in New Zealand and when I went to America I was ASTOUNDED by the size of the food and drink over there. Our large combo at McDonald’s is your small combo…that’s saying something. I remember watching Supersize Me and seeing a morbidly obese lady drinking the biggest cup of fizzy drink I have even seen in my life! If you want that much, you might as well go to the supermarket and buy a bottle of the stuff! Fizzy drink is really bad for you because of the sugar and caffeine (along with other things) and I have been told that if you cut it out of your diet, your health will dramatically increase and you can start to lose weight without even changing the rest of your diet. Like the dietician said, there are ways around this ban and if you really don’t like it then your can always buy more than one cup. I think it’s a great step in the right direction though because if it’s not there, you are less likely to seek it out.
It is frightening to me how many people are supporting this ban. While I agree that sugared sodas are bad for you, the government absolutely does not have any right to tell anyone what they can eat or drink. I think this is just another step on the road to government taking away all of our rights and having complete control over our lives
I absolutely agree with you. When are people going to start taking responsibility into what they are doing to themselves or allow their children to do. It is not up to the government to make decisions for you, it should all be yours. But on the flip side of that, if you want to make bad decisions about what you eat, drink, smoke, do with your life, only you should bare the consequences that go along with it.