Restaurant Industry Isn't to Blame for America's Obesity Epidemic

Restaurants want to help Americans lead healthy lives, but bans are not the way to do it

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i am doing a research paper for school on this and i personally think that taking away our right of choice on drinks is wrong. we SHOULD have freedom of choice in this matter, if people wanna go out and be fat they can, yes it is not healthy and should not be encouraged but taking away one of our rights is just not right.

A thaught.... of AL 4:16PM September 13, 2012

I am simply dumbfounded by the negative response to this iniative, clearly it will not solve the obesity epidemic, nor is it expected to. Mayor Bloomberg should be applauded for his interest and concern for this serious global problem. As for freedom of choice, customers rarely drink from these sized receptacles in their own homes , but may find it difficult to continally resist the lure of the too addictive sugar rush. Small steps by the food industry and local legislature may end up saving lives and in America, healthcare dollars.

Dr Penelope Law- Patron of The National Obesity Forum UK 7:08PM June 08, 2012

The sooner that Americans are weaned off sugared water stuffed with unhealthy calories and drink something more sensible, like water, the sooner that obesity epidemic will be brought under control. What is good about Coca Cola, nothing positive can be said about it? It is unhealthy, unnatural, sweetened, diluted acid. Get real America or life expectancy will start to decline for the first time in the era of modern medicine.

Richard Bradford 2:46PM June 08, 2012

Don't these government officials have more pressing issues than telling us what to drink? Those of us that have held leadership positions know that sometimes you barely have time to accomplish the responsibilities that are yours and spend time with your family, let alone worry about what other people are drinking. But anytime Michelle Obama and Michael Bloomberg want to compare diets/fitness routines, I'll be happy to do it. It's pretty pathetic when our leaders talk the talk, but cannot walk the walk. We don't all have 5-star chefs at our disposal to prepare our arugula salad, foie gras, and Perrier with a hint of cherry.

Michael Sullivan of HI 8:18PM June 06, 2012

Baloney. Restaurants only care about making money, unless maybe it's a health food restaurant. However, I agree it shouldn't be another rule for restaurants to follow. Sugar filled drinks like soda should be taxed heavily like cigarettes. And then use the tax money to help promote healthy eating and exercise. Same with junk food. And lets quit subsidizing corn and wheat and start subsidizing organic fruit and vegetables.

Mar of FL 1:37PM June 04, 2012