Soft Drink Ban: Less Sugary Drinks may Curb Obesity in New York City

Starting March 12, New York City will ban the sale of sugary drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces within restaurants, food cards, concession stands, and other sources of fast food, and starting in June, violators will be fined.

Many are opposed to the ban as they feel it stifles their rights. Approximately 65 percent of Republicans disapprove while 60 percent of African Americans are against it. Democrats also disapprove at 52 percent.

However, the ban is being done in the hopes to curb obesity in New York City. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, a study showed that sugary drinks, such as soda, interacts with genes that affect weight amplifying a person's risk of obesity beyond what it would be based on your  family's history alone.

The ban would exist in restaurants, move theaters, food cars and vendors that are regulated by the health department. There is also a proposed ban on plastic-foam containers that is garnering massive support around the city 69 percent to 26 percent, according to reports.

 "The state should do exactly the same thing in stores," Bloomberg said in response.The mayor views his policy as a means of combating the growing epidemic of obesity.

"Kids, once they get obese, they will be obese as adults," Mayor Bloomberg said. "And this year, for the first time in the world, in the history of humanity, more people will die from overeating than from under-eating."

However, the new policy does not prevent consumers from buying as many drinks as they want. If a customer does not feel satisfied by the amount of a particular beverage available in their 16 ounce cup, they can simply buy another.