Over the past two decades, obesity has escalated to epidemic proportions in the United States and many countries around the world. Currently, about 35 percent of Americans are considered obese. For children and teenagers, the rate is 16.9 percent and also rising. Obesity researchers and public health activists have targeted sugary drinks as one of the primary culprits in the escalating rates of obesity, prompting for government regulation to possibly curb consumption, including taxes on sugar, restrictions and even age requirements to purchase sugary foods. Many are skeptical of these proposals, arguing if the government did take such actions, they would not be effective against combating obesity, taxing sugar would do more harm than good, it would infringe on personal freedom, and it would create a victim mentality with consumers. In September 2012, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City proposed a law to prohibit the sale of sugary drinks over 16 ounces. Bloomberg argued the regulations were necessary to help curb the increasing obesity rate of New Yorkers and help improve their health. The ban targeted sugar-sweetened drinks such as soda, fruit drinks, smoothies and coffee in portions larger than 16 ounces at restaurants and movie theaters. Supermarkets and convenience stores would have been exempt. A poll …show more content…
To be a victim, one must not be responsible for their situation, and require some other person or entity to resolve the problem. No one is forcing anyone to consume sugar. When someone does, it is because they have made a conscious choice to. Consumers should be empowered to make educated decisions and take matters into their own hands. Schools and other public institutions have limited the use of sugar in the food they serve, and that is perfectly fine, as it does not interfere with peoples’ lives and private