[rondo]

Source Article

So Mayor Bloomberg has thoughts of a ban of sugary drinks over 16oz. everywhere except grocery and convenience stores in NYC. What are your thoughts on this? Good idea or get out of my life?

On a side note, isn't a 7/11 considered a convenience store?

If this turns out successful, it may come to a city near you some day.



*EDIT: May start posting interesting stories from time to time but I'll try to stay away from political mumbo jumbo. I also didn't spell sugary correct in title. Too bad I can't edit it.

[Jguy]

Topic title edited-ed-ed-ed

In other news: I do not like. Since when is it the government's job to regulate what we eat and drink. :<

[rondo]

Jguy, on 31 May 2012 - 09:03 AM, said:

Topic title edited-ed-ed-ed

In other news: I do not like. Since when is it the government's job to regulate what we eat and drink. :<

Thanks for the edit.

A scapegoat are what the drinks have become in our more obese society. I believe that generally more people adopt an increased sedentary lifestyle than our generations before us, so why not target that as well? Force people to get off their butts.

I do see commercials about kids getting out and doing something...I don't see too much of that for adults.

Honestly, I'm surprised they didn't just tax beverages above 16oz some obscene amount.

[myrla]

Ridiculous, depending that many coffees have more caffeine than any soda can hope to have. Just because something "has milk" in it does not make it more healthy. IMO Diet drinks are worse, we don't exactly know how Aspartame and the like affect us yet!

How about some personal accountability and self control instead of the government trying to step in? What happened to that? or am I just the only one of the mindset that it's not anyone's fault but my own?

[GITS SAC Motoko]

I think this it's a start to something. Personally, I think it is RIDICULOUS to drink 32-64 ounces of soda so I'm all for the smaller sizes. It reflects one of the big problems we have with eating in America overall and that's moderation. The American culture has this paradigm of "bigger is better" and "buying in bulk" and we've paid for it with our waistlines, health care costs and epidemic of obesity. And sadly it's all around the world too. I'm not saying "oh yeah America is evil/bad/we're stupid" I think restrictions on how big things can be should be limited. There is absolutely no point in the average joe like you and me eating a 800 calorie 1/2 pound burger/32 oz soda. It's silly in my book.

I did notice a few loopholes I'm not super fond of though:

"The ban would not apply to drinks with fewer than 25 calories per 8-ounce serving, like zero-calorie Vitamin Waters and unsweetened iced teas, as well as diet sodas."
Some of this stuff still is bad for you. A lot of this stuff has nasty additives in it like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, etc. Drinking 64 oz of diet coke is (at least to me) just as bad for you as drinking 64 oz of coke. Still nasty stuff entering your body. Yeah you're saving calories, but that stuff still has impact on the body in negative ways.

"At fast-food chains, where sodas are often dispersed at self-serve fountains, restaurants would be required to hand out cup sizes of 16 ounces or less, regardless of whether a customer opts for a diet drink.[/b] But free refills — and additional drink purchases — would be allowed."
The customer can simply refill it with regular soda whenever they want....Free refills many times get people to drink more when they don't have to so they can "take advantage of the deal." and they end up drinking tons anyway >_>.

Specifically I'm not fond of the fact this doesn't go against fruit juices, milkshakes and other sugary drinks. Because my biggest concern isn't adults, but children. Children drink juice and other stuff that is just as bad or worse than a can of soda. If you read the labels on juices a lot of tons of sugar, are from concentrate and aren't health alternatives at all. A lot even have high fructose corn syrup in them. So still children (who are a huge boomer for the obesity epidemic) still are getting tons of sugar and nasty sweeteners. I wish they put the limit to juices and stuff as well. Milkshakes also have tons of calories and sugar in them too--and I think they should be limited to 16oz. It's still a "drink."

And this isn't controlling the people or anything, because back in the day, sodas and drinks used to be this size. 12 oz size (a simple can of pop) used to be "king size" and now most of us drink that much in one sitting. Bottles used to be 8oz. Now they're 12, 20 or even a liter. I remember my mom when she used to manage a Wendy's (way back in the day) they didn't nearly as many huge food portions and drink sizes (drink and food) when she worked there. Things have changed and going back to the older ways can potentially help at least a little the obesity epidemic and also most importantly put a thorn into the side of these fast food, soda and junk food distributors that we do not want "the big size" or that "yeah, the secret it is out, your product is junk and bad for us so we are not going to consume it."

And people will be critical of this and say "you can't stop the people from thinking what they want or from eating and drinking" but every little thing helps. We all need to be weened off these nasty drinks. I also believe it needs to get into more people's heads that junk food like soda, fast food and such should be consumed in moderation and not everyday. And I'm not pointing fingers at any particular person, but the whole culture of America's eating habits. And no, I'm not perfect and no one is perfect but it helps us get on the right track of things. It helps us all come together and start a "stuffs getting real" fight against obesity.

Overall I think it's a start and I'm curious to see some long term results of this, good or bad. I'd like to see this tested out. I really more so want this to affect children since they are the ones that will be most affected by the obesity epidemic and the amount of children that are obese nowadays is growing like mad.

This post has been edited by GITS SAC Motoko: 31 May 2012 - 09:53 AM

[Tiamat97]

so lets regulate your food before we regulate the harmful toxins you put in your body. way to go government, sugar is now more of a threat than smoking

[XenoBlade]

Now as myria said, its our own responsibility, however, i firmly believe humans are too stupid to do this themselves. This is reasons why global warming is a issue. As it is now, people aren't doing a lot different. some are, but not enough to where global warming is a non-issue.

I agree with motoko. It's a start. An experiment. Granted its not the only option, but its a start. (tiamat smoking is another ship.) It's not like he is trying to control you, it's more like a push to try to help obesity. (not many countries have large drinks. We are the rare few) besides, does anyone know how many calories soda/juice has? On average, 8 oz is around 100 calories. 100. Most get 32 oz or more. Thats already 400 calories. That's a lot.

Im not 100% behind it, but if we can't help ourselves, i think a semi forceful nudge helps. I can see why people would be angry, but this isn't too bad.

Honestly, i have no faith in humanity (mostly the give me convience or give me death Americans) why did no one complain as much bout burger king trying delivery?

I want to add that i feel there are loopholes...such as refills or buying two drinks. It'll be hard to regulate. (some people are that desperate)

Hypothetical, i wonder how americans would take it if they enacted a mandatory 5 days, 1 hour workout weeks. Where you have to go to the gym.

This post has been edited by XenoBlade: 31 May 2012 - 10:24 AM

[The Fujoshi]

Tiamat97, on 31 May 2012 - 09:46 AM, said:

so lets regulate your food before we regulate the harmful toxins you put in your body. way to go government, sugar is now more of a threat than smoking

I find it funny that they debated on pink slime but this is going underway.

I'm at two minds about this. Some sugars are good but like most things too much is bad for you. I feel that anything that's over 32 oz. is a bit much for a drink. I can barely drink an Arizona by myself and many times save it. So anyone who can drink something that's the size of a Jamba juice large or X-large is crazy/impressive.

Also Motoko, shakes are on the list, which didn't surprise me.

[XenoBlade]

The Fujoshi, on 31 May 2012 - 10:19 AM, said:

I find it funny that they debated on pink slime but this is going underway.

I'm at two minds about this. Some sugars are good but like most things too much is bad for you. I feel that anything that's over 32 oz. is a bit much for a drink. I can barely drink an Arizona by myself and many times save it. So anyone who can drink something that's the size of a Jamba juice large or X-large is crazy/impressive.

Also Motoko, shakes are on the list, which didn't surprise me.

I dont think there are any good sugars. Lol even natural sugar (from fruit) is advised to limit. Sugar is one of the worst stuff we eat. It turns into fat almost immediately. it doesn't really have any positives. Lol and fake sugar. Ew. Not only do they taste like plastic crap, the effects on our bodies isn't known

[Dark Stranger]

GITS SAC Motoko, on 31 May 2012 - 09:42 AM, said:

I think this it's a start to something. Personally, I think it is RIDICULOUS to drink 32-64 ounces of soda so I'm all for the smaller sizes. It reflects one of the big problems we have with eating in America overall and that's moderation. The American culture has this paradigm of "bigger is better" and "buying in bulk" and we've paid for it with our waistlines, health care costs and epidemic of obesity. And sadly it's all around the world too. I'm not saying "oh yeah America is evil/bad/we're stupid" I think restrictions on how big things can be should be limited. There is absolutely no point in the average joe like you and me eating a 800 calorie 1/2 pound burger/32 oz soda. It's silly in my book.

I did notice a few loopholes I'm not super fond of though:

"The ban would not apply to drinks with fewer than 25 calories per 8-ounce serving, like zero-calorie Vitamin Waters and unsweetened iced teas, as well as diet sodas."
Some of this stuff still is bad for you. A lot of this stuff has nasty additives in it like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, etc. Drinking 64 oz of diet coke is (at least to me) just as bad for you as drinking 64 oz of coke. Still nasty stuff entering your body. Yeah you're saving calories, but that stuff still has impact on the body in negative ways.

"At fast-food chains, where sodas are often dispersed at self-serve fountains, restaurants would be required to hand out cup sizes of 16 ounces or less, regardless of whether a customer opts for a diet drink.[/b] But free refills — and additional drink purchases — would be allowed."
The customer can simply refill it with regular soda whenever they want....Free refills many times get people to drink more when they don't have to so they can "take advantage of the deal." and they end up drinking tons anyway >_>.

Specifically I'm not fond of the fact this doesn't go against fruit juices, milkshakes and other sugary drinks. Because my biggest concern isn't adults, but children. Children drink juice and other stuff that is just as bad or worse than a can of soda. If you read the labels on juices a lot of tons of sugar, are from concentrate and aren't health alternatives at all. A lot even have high fructose corn syrup in them. So still children (who are a huge boomer for the obesity epidemic) still are getting tons of sugar and nasty sweeteners. I wish they put the limit to juices and stuff as well. Milkshakes also have tons of calories and sugar in them too--and I think they should be limited to 16oz. It's still a "drink."

And this isn't controlling the people or anything, because back in the day, sodas and drinks used to be this size. 12 oz size (a simple can of pop) used to be "king size" and now most of us drink that much in one sitting. Bottles used to be 8oz. Now they're 12, 20 or even a liter. I remember my mom when she used to manage a Wendy's (way back in the day) they didn't nearly as many huge food portions and drink sizes (drink and food) when she worked there. Things have changed and going back to the older ways can potentially help at least a little the obesity epidemic and also most importantly put a thorn into the side of these fast food, soda and junk food distributors that we do not want "the big size" or that "yeah, the secret it is out, your product is junk and bad for us so we are not going to consume it."

And people will be critical of this and say "you can't stop the people from thinking what they want or from eating and drinking" but every little thing helps. We all need to be weened off these nasty drinks. I also believe it needs to get into more people's heads that junk food like soda, fast food and such should be consumed in moderation and not everyday. And I'm not pointing fingers at any particular person, but the whole culture of America's eating habits. And no, I'm not perfect and no one is perfect but it helps us get on the right track of things. It helps us all come together and start a "stuffs getting real" fight against obesity.

Overall I think it's a start and I'm curious to see some long term results of this, good or bad. I'd like to see this tested out. I really more so want this to affect children since they are the ones that will be most affected by the obesity epidemic and the amount of children that are obese nowadays is growing like mad.

I like my 42oz slurpies thanks. I'm not a baby that needs the goverment telling me what to eat or drink. Just another baby step towards complete control by our goverment. If I lived in new york i'd be furious and not only vote this joke of a mayor out of office but be very vocal about it at all times to make people away of such abuse of power as well.

[GITS SAC Motoko]

The Fujoshi, on 31 May 2012 - 10:19 AM, said:

I find it funny that they debated on pink slime but this is going underway.

I'm at two minds about this. Some sugars are good but like most things too much is bad for you. I feel that anything that's over 32 oz. is a bit much for a drink. I can barely drink an Arizona by myself and many times save it. So anyone who can drink something that's the size of a Jamba juice large or X-large is crazy/impressive.

Also Motoko, shakes are on the list, which didn't surprise me.

i wish milkshakes were actually on there--because then you could regulate all that iced coffee frappucino sugar filled crazy things too.
"The measure would not apply to diet sodas, fruit juices, dairy-based drinks like milkshakes, or alcoholic beverages; it would not extend to beverages sold in grocery or convenience stores."

XenoBlade, on 31 May 2012 - 10:28 AM, said:

I dont think there are any good sugars. Lol even natural sugar (from fruit) is advised to limit. Sugar is one of the worst stuff we eat. It turns into fat almost immediately. it doesn't really have any positives. Lol and fake sugar. Ew. Not only do they taste like plastic crap, the effects on our bodies isn't known

Gosh, you don't even know how much I hate fake sugar. Blech. Sugar is just cheap energy, it's not an enemy, heck your body breaks every thing down to sugar....it's the natural form of energy. but too much of it is a bad thing because it gets stored...as fat. (Yes, excess whatever like sugar is stored as fat, fat products are not just stored as fat)

[rondo]

One problem I have is that you punish everyone with an all out ban. What about people who aren't obese? Why aren't people being pushed to be more responsible?

One example, Isamu is not even remotely obese but why would he have to be affected by a ban?

This post has been edited by rondo: 31 May 2012 - 10:41 AM

[rondo]

XenoBlade, on 31 May 2012 - 10:19 AM, said:

Im not 100% behind it, but if we can't help ourselves.

If we can't help ourselves, then that is the ultimate probelm here. We need to be able to help ourselves.

One serious issue is that foods that are bad for us are cheap and foods better for us are more expensive. It needs to be the other way around to make any serious changes to the American diet.

[The Fujoshi]

GITS SAC Motoko, on 31 May 2012 - 10:36 AM, said:

i wish milkshakes were actually on there--because then you could regulate all that iced coffee frappucino sugar filled crazy things too.
"The measure would not apply to diet sodas, fruit juices, dairy-based drinks like milkshakes, or alcoholic beverages; it would not extend to beverages sold in grocery or convenience stores."


Gosh, you don't even know how much I hate fake sugar. Blech. Sugar is just cheap energy, it's not an enemy, heck your body breaks every thing down to sugar....it's the natural form of energy. but too much of it is a bad thing because it gets stored...as fat. (Yes, excess whatever like sugar is stored as fat, fat products are not just stored as fat)

What's "Sweet shake then?" o_o;

@Xeno: You need some sugars to process foods and to maintain energy, which is founds in foods. So it really depends on what you eat. Strawberries have natural sugars which are good for you. Man made sugars are a big no no though but most man made things are a big no no.

EDIT: Even drinking too much water can kill you due to water poisoning, depending on how quick/how much you drink of it before your body processes it.

But it depends on your body type/etc. on what can make you fat or make you lose weight. Some people don't lose weight by drinking water and not eating. I actually gain weight by not eating foods.

This post has been edited by The Fujoshi: 31 May 2012 - 10:51 AM

[rondo]

The Fujoshi, on 31 May 2012 - 10:50 AM, said:

I actually gain weight by not eating foods.

Maybe they mean a smoothie?

When you starve your body of food, it stores more fat for self preservation.

[XenoBlade]

rondo, on 31 May 2012 - 10:46 AM, said:

If we can't help ourselves, then that is the ultimate probelm here. We need to be able to help ourselves.

One serious issue is that foods that are bad for us are cheap and foods better for us are more expensive. It needs to be the other way around to make any serious changes to the American diet.

Well what is going to push us to do it then? If we are going to go by how things are progressing, its going to get worse with people doing things to help themselves.

Also i agree it isnt fair to the non obese, but it isnt fair to not include them. (i know, why even have the rule) but maybe this will help us to help ourselves.

Btw Dark Stranger, you are aware other countries actually limit drink sizes? For instance, Japan. This isn't some conspiracy. lol

[Dark Stranger]

It's still wrong and it's still goverment overstepping it's boundiers. People have a right to eat super unhealthy stuff if they want to. Then they will have to deal with whatever health risks are involed in that. If I have to have some stupid label on my slushies that says "If you drink too many of these and don't exericse then you'll gain weight" to still keep my big slushie, then I'm ok with that. Stop letting people in suits who don't live in the real world make decisons about MY lifestyle choices.

[rondo]

XenoBlade, on 31 May 2012 - 11:19 AM, said:

Well what is going to push us to do it then? If we are going to go by how things are progressing, its going to get worse with people doing things to help themselves.

So people need a push to not be fat, lazy slobs and to be a little more responsible about their well being? That is pretty sad commentary there, but sadly true in numerous cases. People need to be taught early on not to be this way...you know, parents being parental to kids and being a good example. I'd tend to believe if kids are raised under the premise of a healthy, active lifestyle..that they will likely carry that on into adulthood.

Hopefully they'll realize that an overall lifestyle change is needed. A partial ban will do nothing to sate people's desire to have the drink they want.

This post has been edited by rondo: 31 May 2012 - 11:42 AM

[Washu Takahashi]

Dark Stranger, on 31 May 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

It's still wrong and it's still goverment overstepping it's boundiers. People have a right to eat super unhealthy stuff if they want to. Then they will have to deal with whatever health risks are involed in that. If I have to have some stupid label on my slushies that says "If you drink too many of these and don't exericse then you'll gain weight" to still keep my big slushie, then I'm ok with that. Stop letting people in suits who don't live in the real world make decisons about MY lifestyle choices.

This times a million. I always buy the large/extra large drinks at movie theater because I don't want to leave halfway through the movie to refill it. And even if you did give me a smaller cup which forces me to leave and refill it...I'm still refilling it and getting the same amount of calories.

I don't think the government has any right in telling us what's acceptable to eat. I'm pretty darn skinny, eat healthy for the most part, and know how to take care of my body. Yeah, I'll order giant drinks sometimes and candy and whatever else isn't healthy for me, but I know the consequences and take these things in moderation. It's not my fault that the fatty next door can't control himself and is too lazy to exercise. My grandmother is 300 pounds. She knows the food and drinks she consumes are literally killing her, but she doesn't care. And who really has any right to tell her she can't eat/drink what she wants? (besides her husband and maybe other family members. But definitely not the government) People that are extremely obese don't get that way overnight. And if they don't care enough to take care of their bodies, neither we nor the government should care either.

Long angry rant made short: the government should mind its own business.

[XenoBlade]

Dark Stranger, on 31 May 2012 - 11:30 AM, said:

It's still wrong and it's still goverment overstepping it's boundiers. People have a right to eat super unhealthy stuff if they want to. Then they will have to deal with whatever health risks are involed in that. If I have to have some stupid label on my slushies that says "If you drink too many of these and don't exericse then you'll gain weight" to still keep my big slushie, then I'm ok with that. Stop letting people in suits who don't live in the real world make decisons about MY lifestyle choices.

I'll give you that. I say i dont mind because i feel we as people just don't want to help ourselves. *shrugs* It sucks more to lose what you have then never know about it.

Actually, let me ask this. What should we do for obesity? Without screwing our farmers over. They always get screwed over. (seriously)

[Agatha]

I think this is not the right way to go about fixing the problem. Large sugary drinks aren't healthy, but it's the responsibility of the drinkers to moderate themselves. We've got nutrition labels on so many things these days, people know how many calories are in these drinks and know that they're not healthy. They simply do not care. (Also, I think the regulations are a little wonky. I can't get a large cup of tea with sugar in it, but I can get 64 oz. milkshake? WTF?)

I don't think this is a good solution because obesity in America is a result of a lot of bad habits - people aren't just drinking lots of sugary drinks, they're also overeating and not exercising. You can ban large drinks, but people will drink multiple small drinks (or switch to milkshakes. Again, WTF?), eat too much, and sit on the couch anyways, because they've got habits that are deeply ingrained. If we argue that those habits need to be changed for them because they won't do it themselves, what's next - rationing food so no one consumes more than a certain number of calories? Forcing them to exercise? Of course not.

Until people actually consciously make the choice to change their habits, they're not going to change, and I think that trying to restrict them into doing so won't work. You'd need to place restrictions on everything.

[NinjaJedi007]

I understand the idea behind this ban but I'm all for people deciding how they want to live their lives. Who's to say how I should live my life? I don't want people to gain unnecessary weight nor do I want the health of the general population to go to s**t, but if someone truly wants to drink 5 lbs of sugar, then I think they should be able to do just that. People need to learn how to make responsible choices. Very simple concept... somehow ridiculously difficult for many.

Personally, I rarely drink sugar. If soft drinks magically disappeared today, there's no way I could care less. I would not be heartbroken one bit. Live your life the way you want to, but in my opinion I would recommend staying away from that stuff. It really doesn't do your body any good.

[Dark Stranger]

XenoBlade, on 31 May 2012 - 01:05 PM, said:

I'll give you that. I say i dont mind because i feel we as people just don't want to help ourselves. *shrugs* It sucks more to lose what you have then never know about it.

Actually, let me ask this. What should we do for obesity? Without screwing our farmers over. They always get screwed over. (seriously)

See while I all for exercise and do have a rather large vent about serioully overweight people, There is not and should not be any sort of goverment or state action to FORCE these people to change their life styles. Sure we can advertise and promote healthy living (even if those commericals get annoying). There is all sorts of personal trainers or programs thatt really gives the extra focus to help overweight or obese people lose weight. I mean there really is all kinds of ways to help IF they want the help.

The one thing that CANNOT happen is any sort of goverment making rules to try and pigeon hole people into lifestyle choices. I mean we always rant and rave about how socitiy is always trying to force women into the almost unachivable image that is in all the magaizines and whatnot. Yet the goverment is trying to force people get skinny with bans on soda, transfats, cigerattes, etc. Yet people say "well it's still in our 'best interest' at the end." That line would never work if we tried to use it on womens fashion. They could have all the right intentions in the world, but if they cross the line and say "you can't do/eat/or say _____" They have gone too far.

[NinjaJedi007]

Dark Stranger, on 31 May 2012 - 02:32 PM, said:

They could have all the right intentions in the world, but if they cross the line and say "you can't do/eat/or say _____" They have gone too far.

Precisely. If the ban goes through, then we have to ask the question: what next? Will it keep snowballing until everything is out of control? Perhaps... humanity will continue to lead itself down it's dark path!

[GITS SAC Motoko]

I think a big problem in America with obesity is that the culture has a mindset. We want things fast, quick, easy, with little of work possible. We also have a problem with moderation. I'm not pointing fingers. I'm looking at a culture. People don't get out and run around like they used to, they want instant gratification and things quick easy and fast. Heck kids today are different from when all of us were kids. They don't get out and play as much, McDonald's isn't a treat anymore, it's life. Fast food and quick and easy eating out junk food reflects the way of life we have and fast food becomes the main food choice for people on the go nowadays. Then, the obesity rates when up to an all time high as a result and then it was discovered the current generation (some of us are included) were said to have a lower life expectancy than our parents, and a huge factor of that was obesity. Then what do the people do? Since people don't usually like to admit their mistakes and blame themselves they turn to the government "it's all your fault! help me! Help me!" government responds desperately with things like this bill. They're darned If they don't try, and darned if they do. It might not be the best way to deal with it but you can sense the desperation. But I do believe that one thing that does need to be watched is advertising to children of junk food and properly teaching them. Yeah their parents should be but with rising obesity rates in children for some reason parents are not getting through the child's head. All I can say is at least the government tried....

[Dark Stranger]

Wish new yorkers would just vote that goofball out of office. But noooo major democrat state so the chances of that are slim to nil. I mean this "mayor/dictator" has already banned trans-fats, smoking in completly open outside areas, salt, and feeding the homeless without the states consent. This is bassakwards.

[Jang Hee Joon]

If they think this'll stop or slow down the obesity problem in the area, then they're pretty damn delusional and disconnected. Nice try, but this won't do a damn thing.

This post has been edited by Jang Hee Joon: 31 May 2012 - 02:58 PM

[Dark Stranger]

GITS SAC Motoko, on 31 May 2012 - 02:48 PM, said:

I think a big problem in America with obesity is that the culture has a mindset. We want things fast, quick, easy, with little of work possible. We also have a problem with moderation. I'm not pointing fingers. I'm looking at a culture. People don't get out and run around like they used to, they want instant gratification and things quick easy and fast. Heck kids today are different from when all of us were kids. They don't get out and play as much, McDonald's isn't a treat anymore, it's life. Fast food and quick and easy eating out junk food reflects the way of life we have and fast food becomes the main food choice for people on the go nowadays. Then, the obesity rates when up to an all time high as a result and then it was discovered the current generation (some of us are included) were said to have a lower life expectancy than our parents, and a huge factor of that was obesity. Then what do the people do? Since people don't usually like to admit their mistakes and blame themselves they turn to the government "it's all your fault! help me! Help me!" government responds desperately with things like this bill. They're darned If they don't try, and darned if they do. It might not be the best way to deal with it but you can sense the desperation. But I do believe that one thing that does need to be watched is advertising to children of junk food and properly teaching them. Yeah their parents should be but with rising obesity rates in children for some reason parents are not getting through the child's head. All I can say is at least the government tried....

I can agree with you alot on that. But what I dont' understand is they see people not being as active, they see them not eating healthy, yet they still blame everyone but the people themselves. They think that limiting fast food, or peoples freedom to eat what they want will get rid of the problem when they already see the problem in front of them. If one polition would come out and say, "your and your kids are fat because you sit around all day and eat unhealthy food everyday" that guy would be awesome in my book. What we need more then anything is people with some backbone and say, "no it's not these people fault for your problems, it's YOUR fault for your OWN problems." But of course that be looked down on as hating so he wouldn't be very popular would he?

[rondo]

GITS SAC Motoko, on 31 May 2012 - 02:48 PM, said:

All I can say is at least the government tried....

I'm willing to bet a large number of parents trying aren't trying enough and/or they don't have time to deal with their children and fear their general empowerment in today's society.

Those asking for help from the government for their own negligence, need to hear the government say.."Hey, stop eating all that crap and get off your fat butt!" but no, that'll never happen. Something that harsh may lose someone votes and there are many obese people out there.

EDIT: grammar

Dark Stranger, on 31 May 2012 - 03:18 PM, said:

I can agree with you alot on that. But what I dont' understand is they see people not being as active, they see them not eating healthy, yet they still blame everyone but the people themselves. They think that limiting fast food, or peoples freedom to eat what they want will get rid of the problem when they already see the problem in front of them. If one polition would come out and say, "your and your kids are fat because you sit around all day and eat unhealthy food everyday" that guy would be awesome in my book. What we need more then anything is people with some backbone and say, "no it's not these people fault for your problems, it's YOUR fault for your OWN problems." But of course that be looked down on as hating so he wouldn't be very popular would he?

Must've posted this while I started writing mine.

This post has been edited by rondo: 31 May 2012 - 03:37 PM

[Rori]

I can see why sugary drinks might be singled out. Sugars are thought to be addictive and also have the same "feel good" effects that keep you coming back for more. I suppose the Mayor is trying to say that enough is enough, similar to how some cities pass smoking bans in the name of public health.

GITS SAC Motoko, on 31 May 2012 - 02:48 PM, said:

I think a big problem in America with obesity is that the culture has a mindset. We want things fast, quick, easy, with little of work possible. We also have a problem with moderation. I'm not pointing fingers. I'm looking at a culture.

I would have to tend to agree. The "get the bang for your buck" mindset has gotten a little out of control (in case of food, its portions). I've yet to decide for myself whether or not its the government's responsibility or right to step in and do something about it...

Jang Hee Joon, on 31 May 2012 - 02:58 PM, said:

If they think this'll stop or slow down the obesity problem in the area, then they're pretty damn delusional and disconnected. Nice try, but this won't do a damn thing.

I agree, this one change wouldn't be a cure-all. I think what it really identifies is the over-the-top portion sizes and the issues that arise when you have "too much of a good delicious thing".