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In a press conference Tuesday, June 5, at Montefiore Medical CenterMayor Michael Bloomberg defended his proposal to ban the sale of large-sized sugary drinks. Along with several public health officials, Bloomberg took the opportunity to highlight the damaging effects of obesity on New Yorkers, especially in the Bronx.

While 58 percent of New Yorkers are overweight or obese, the numbers are even higher in the Bronx, where 70 percent of adults are overweight or obese. That comes out to 630,000 Bronxites who are dealing with weight-related health problems. The public health cost is staggering, as $4 billion is spent each year in New York City on obesity-related health care costs.

The Bloomberg administration has called the empty calories in sugary beverages one of the leading culprits in the obesity crisis. Last week, the City unveiled its plan to limit the size of sugary drinks sold in “food service establishments” such as restaurants, mobile food carts, delis and concession stands. (The ban does not apply to convenience, grocery or drugstores.)

Under the proposal, the sale of sweetened drinks over 16 oz., including soft drinks, bottled sodas, fruit drinks with sugar and sweetened coffee and tea, would be prohibited. Fruit juices containing at least 70 percent juice, as well as dairy-based beverages, alcoholic drinks, unsweetened coffee and tea and diet sodas would remain unaffected.

“Obesity is the only major public health issue we have that is getting worse and New York City has the courage to stand up and do something about it,” said Bloomberg.

Officials at Montefiore echoed this sentiment.

“The moment to act has arrived,” Montefiore Chief Operating Officer and Pediatrics Chair Dr. Philip Ozuah said, citing personal experiences treating overweight and obese children.

Some 250,000 students, from kindergarten to eighth grade are overweight or obese, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. New York City banned the sale of sugared beverages from schools in 2003. Since then, Farley says the city has seen a 5 percent decrease in obesity among public school students the last four years.

The proposal is the latest measure by the Bloomberg administration to address public health concerns through strict legislation. The City has also banned smoking in bars, restaurants and public spaces, as well as the use of artificial trans fat by restaurants. Chain restaurants and fast food places have also been required to label calorie counts on menus since July 2008.

It should come as no surprise that the beverage and fast food industries disagree with City Hall’s latest tactics.

“The New York City Health Department’s unhealthy obsession with attacking soft drinks is again pushing them over the top,” said Stefan Friedman, a spokesperson for the New York City Beverage Association. “The city is not going to address the obesity issue by attacking soda because soda is not driving the obesity rates.”

Previously, Bloomberg supported a state tax on sodas, and also tried to restrict the use of food stamps to buy sodas. Both of these measures, however, proved unsuccessful.

Local legislators appear split. While State Senator Gustavo Rivera supports the ban, Councilman Fernando Cabrera does not.

“The councilman believes this is intrusion on the rights of New Yorkers and it’s government regulation gone too far,” said Sham Ninah, Cabrera’s director of legislation and press. “We live in a free country; folks should be able to make decisions based on their own values.”

Regardless, Bloomberg only needs the approval of the Department of Health.

Bronxites are also weighing in on the proposed sugary drinks ban.

“I agree with [Bloomberg], definitely, because soda makes kids more hyper and at-risk for diabetes and obesity,” Jessi Riveria said. “It’s bad for adults too. I don’t let my kids drink any juices either, it’s too much sugar.”

“I hate it, it’s the right to choose,” said Jose Segarra, holding onto a large soda at a McDonald’s on East Gun Hill Road. “Even if it is the wrong thing to do, we have the right to choose.”

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