NYC Targets Sugary Drinks in New Anti-Obesity Ads

NEW YORKSugary drinks may be the culprit of obesity and diabetes, and New York City plans to change the trend by revealing its anti-obesity campaign educating New Yorkers on the potential risks of sugary drinks.

In 2012, Mayor Michael Bloomberg pushed to ban sales of sugar-sweetened drinks larger than 16 ounces in an effort to curb the obesity epidemic; however, a New York state judge struck down the ban in March 2013 finding the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene exceeded its authority and issued a regulation that is "arbitrary and capricious."

The new ads are an expansion of the Health Departments Pouring on the Pounds" campaign and its continued efforts to combat the obesity epidemic. The new ads also encourage New Yorkers to take a sip in the right direction" and replace sugary drinks with water, seltzer, unsweetened teas, fat-free milk and fresh fruit. The ads will run on TV for the next three weeks, and in subway cars through January.

 Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and in New York City and it has, in turn, fueled the diabetes epidemic," said Dr. Thomas Farley, health commissioner. Over 50% of adults with diabetes who receive medical care have high blood sugar levels, increasing their risk for serious complications such as amputation, kidney failure and blindness. Maintaining a healthy diet is one critical component to controlling blood sugar levels and possibly preventing these complications."