Fight to Limit Soda Sizes Back to Court in New York City

The size of sodas and other sweet drinks are blamed by some for obesity, and New York city took its fight to limit the size back to an appeals court on Wednesday.

The regulation, spearheaded by former mayor Michael Bloomberg in May 2012, has been staunchly opposed by restaurants, movie theaters and soda makers.

Soft Drinks - Are They Safe?
Soft drinks like cigarettes and alcohol are harmful to health and should be avoided.

Opponents say the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene overstepped its authority on the measure, is a first for a big city.

It aims to limit personal sweet drink sizes to 16 ounces (47 centiliters) in stadiums, stores and fast food restaurants.

Just hours before the regulation was to take effect in March 2013, a judge ordered it blocked, calling it "capricious and arbitrary."

Colas are Bad For Health in the Long Run
Intake of regular soft drinks adds calories but diet colas don’t. However, expert opinion says that diet colas are not the best alternative to regular soft drinks.

Many drinks that are high in calories are not included, and the ban does not cover supermarkets or other food stores.

Then in July 2013, a local appeals court upheld that ruling.

Soft Drinks and Sugar in the Diet may Have Negative Effects on the Kidneys
The potential negative effects that soft drinks and sugar can have on kidney health have been highlighted in two new studies.

But new Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would try to appeal once more.

Lawyers working on the case stressed that these were drinks with "empty calories." A decision is expected from the court within one to three months.

Soda Tax on Sugary Soft Drinks Not a Good Strategy to Reduce Obesity
Taxing sugary beverages may help reduce calories, but the health benefits may be offset as consumers substitute other unhealthy foods, a new study concludes.

In New York City, 58 percent of the population is either obese or overweight.

Source-AFP