Soda Ban Research Paper

Mayor Bloomberg is seeking to reduce obesity rates by introducing a soda ban proposing that drinks will not exceed 16 oz. to the New York City Board of Health. According to a study done by the New York City Health Department, acknowledged in 2008, 58% of adults living in New York City were overweight or obese. However, the ban only pertains to self-serve restaurants while vending machines, supermarkets, and convenience stores are exempt. ("Bloomberg Soda Ban." The Huffington Post. New York Times, 26 Aug. 2014. Web. 05 December 2016). Despite any positive outcomes that the soda ban may bring, I believe banning soda from New Yorkers is not an effective way to reduce these numbers. Healthy living needs to be taught for it to be probably practiced across all the states.

For starters, Americans will make their own decisions on what they want to consume regardless of a ban. Having the basic right to consume a certain item taken away will only make people want it more. Americans that are already obese will continue to consume what is banned by finding different solutions. The ban states that the limit would be 16 oz. soda but does not prohibit the number of soda purchased at once. In addition, the ban does not include vending machines, supermarkets, or convenience stores which are accessible to the public and easy to purchase. In addition, the ban only applies to soda, not including fruit juices, alcohol, milkshakes, and so forth. Some believe differently and say that people affected by this ban will make excuses of why they aren 't eating healthy. Meanwhile, Americans consume a lot of sugar in their everyday diet that contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle, not just sugary drinks. This ban is not a large solution as the Mayor Bloomberg may think. Banning the size of a sugary drink will not nether the rate of obesity, especially with as many fast-food restaurants as New York