Bloomberg's Efforts Have Effectively Increased the Conversation on the Impact Sugary Beverages Have on our Nation's Health

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Mar 12, 2013, 06:08 ET

The Obesity Society Responds to Ruling Against Mayor Bloomberg's Size Restriction on Super-Sized Sugary Beverages

SILVER SPRING, Md., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is attributable to Patrick M. O'Neil, PhD, Past President, The Obesity Society, Director, Weight Management Center, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina:

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Whether you're for or against New York City Mayor Bloomberg's size restriction of super-sized sodas, there is no arguing with the fact that sugary beverages are a major source of non-nutritious calories and thus contribute to obesity and diabetes. Further, abundant scientific evidence shows larger portion sizes lead to increased consumption of food and beverages.

Between 1977 and 1996, food portion sizes increased both inside and outside the home for all categories except pizza. The energy intake and portion size of salty snacks increased by 93 kcal (from 1.0 to 1.6 oz [28.4 to 45.4 g]), and in soft drinks by 49 kcal (13.1 to 19.9 fl oz [387.4 to 588.4 mL]).[i]

Thankfully, Bloomberg's regulatory efforts have already borne a positive outcome: they have increased the national conversation about the impact sugary beverages have on our nation's health. As a result, consumers may think twice before grabbing that super-sized soda. And, for anyone trying to lose weight, or maintain a healthy weight, reducing or eliminating sugary beverages can cut out calories in a New York minute.

The Obesity Society continues to support efforts by Mayor Bloomberg to reduce
consumption of super-sized sugary beverages, per our statement issued in May 2012. Please click here to view the full statement.

About The Obesity Society (TOS)
TOS is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. TOS is committed to encouraging research on the causes, treatment, and prevention of obesity as well as to keeping the scientific community and public informed of new advances in the field. For more information please visit: www.obesity.org

[i] Samara Joy Nielsen; Barry M. Popkin, PhD JAMA. 2003;289(4):450-453. doi:10.1001/jama.289.4.450.

SOURCE The Obesity Society