Obesity, junk food and New York's proposed soda ban: people's panel

See the latest selection of responses here Mayor Michael Bloomberg, or "Nanny Bloomberg" as he's sometimes called for his heavy-handed efforts to promote healthy living in NYC, has been lauded and criticized for his administration's aggressive approach to what he calls the "nationwide problem" of obesity in America, including bans on smoking in restaurants and parks, a prohibition against artificial trans fat in restaurant food, and a requirement for health inspection grades to be posted in restaurant windows. His latest attempt to curb the unhealthy habits of New Yorkers is to outlaw the sale of cups or bottles of sweetened drinks larger than 16oz at restaurants, movie theaters, street carts and sports venues. According to The New York City Department of Health, obesity levels have doubled in the United States over the last 20 years: obesity among children ages 6 to 11 increased from 7% in 1980 to 16% in 2002; among adults, obesity increased from 12% in 1991 to 23% in 2004. There's no question that the facts are in Bloomberg's favor but there's a bigger issue here that begs to be addressed: are initiatives like the soda-sanction the solution? Or do they just provide an easy fix to a much bigger issue? As part of our people's panel, we want to hear from you: have you struggled with obesity? Do you approve of the ban? Should it be implemented across the country? If you're a parent, do your children drink soft drinks? Do you struggle to control what they consume? Will the ban help you keep your kids healthy? Or do you think it's the wrong approach? To participate, tell us how you feel in the form below or email me at [email protected] :