Obesity is an epidemic that leads to serious health problems and even death. In 2011 20% of America children were obese and no doubt when the numbers come out for 2012 they will be even higher since they have already tripled since 1980. Obesity can lead to complications with diabetes, heart disease and stroke with child obesity becoming so worrisome that New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that his city will be putting restrictions on the sale of sugary drinks that are larger than 16 ounces in restaurants, theaters and stadiums.
It is very inspiring to see one of America’s biggest city take a stand on fighting obesity and we can only hope that other cities follow their lead. This is not the first time that New Yorkers have been the leaders in making their city healthier, they led the way for banning smoking in public places and making food chains post the calorie content.
According to The Wrap, movie theaters are not thrilled about the new restrictions on their sugary drinks and have run banners, posters and commercials because they feel New Yorkers should be allowed to make their own choices. Is that really the reason? Or, are they worried about the ban cutting into their profits and inevitably their pockets!
I look at it this way, if obesity wasn’t such a big problem then the mayor would not have had to get involved, their wouldn’t be tv shows out there like The Biggest Loser attacking obesity head on with their upcoming 18th season on NBC and the US weight loss industry would not be worth over 60 billion dollars.
