On one hand is the argument that adults can and should make
their own decisions, especially about their own food consumption (as Jon Stewart pointed out on the Daily Show). Also, the
ban does not actually stop anyone from drinking more than 16 oz of soda, they
can just buy a second drink. The main
argument is that, consumers must learn about nutrition and how to make these healthy
choices, instead of having someone legislate their behavior.
On the other hand (which I'm starting
to lean towards as I read more) is that portion sizes are huge in the United
States, and these unlimited portion sizes are probably the greatest contributor to America's obesity epidemic. The issue is not as much our
food choices (every culture has some delicacies and foods that are unhealthy,
but delicious).
Take for instance, this infographic from the Center for Disease Control:
Even people who are very careful about their consumption and
aware of proper portion sizes, just don’t have the self-control to “save half
their meal for later” or “share with a friend” - the recommended methods
to beat big portions. According to this column in the Huffington Post (and the infographic above), sodas are six times larger than they were 60
years ago, and Americans consume 200-300 calories more per day than 30 years
ago.
Whether the obesity epidemic is addressed with more aggressive education initiatives or legislation (preferably both), Bloomberg's impatience and desire to take immediate action is an attitude more politicians should have. Political affiliation and personal health decisions have little to do with the truth that drinking large amounts of soda can cause weight gain, weight gain can lead to obesity, and obesity is a serious health condition.
This Report “Economic Causes and Consequences of Obesity”published in Annual Reviews in 2005 found that: “Much of the rise in energy intake is related to increased
consumption of carbohydrates. In 1976–1980, adult men and women aged 20–74
years consumed daily 1039 and 700 kcal of carbohydrates, respectively. In
1999–2000, these numbers increased to 1283 and 969 kcal (10). Beverages,
particularly fruit and soft drinks, are also responsible for a surprising
number of calories. In 1997, the average American consumed 53 gallons of soft
drinks and 17 gallons of fruit juices or drinks, a 51% and 40% increase since
1980 (55).”
A press release from Mayor Bloomberg’s office explains “Obesity is the only major public health crisis
in America that is getting worse and nearly 60 percent of New York City
residents are currently overweight or obese. In addition to the toll on health,
the costs to the public are steep: in New York City $4 billion is spent
annually on health care costs related to obesity. The Mayor’s Task Force on
Obesity has proposed initiatives – including limiting the size of sugary
drinks, significant contributors to the epidemic – with the goal of reducing
the percent of obese adults by 10 percent and children by 15 percent over the
next five years. “
The statistics for the United States as a whole are staggering. In 2007, diabetes cost the United States $174
billion in medical expenditures and reduced productivity and in 2008, obesity expenses totaled about
$147 billion. By comparison, cancer (of all kinds) cost the United States $125.5 billion in 2010.
Also, as this debate plays out, keep in mind the American Beverage Association's political and economic power. As Nancy Huehnergarth points out in her column in Huffington Post, the ABA spent close to $13 million in New York in a six-month period in 2010, lobbying against a proposed penny-per-ounce statewide soda tax. No one wants there to be large soda sizes available more than soda companies themselves.
Here's to healthy hydration!
Kristiane
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