Mayor Bloomberg of NYC is not messing around with the proposed plan to limit the city’s soda sizes at eating establishments. He now has the backing of Weight Watchers President, Dave Burwick, along with creators of Jenny Craig, the South Beach Diet, Best Life Diet, Dukan Diet, and Picture Perfect weight loss. Bloomberg has asked the board of health to impose a 16oz. limit on the size of sugary beverages. Click below to read more.
“We hope more mayors and health departments will follow New York City’s example,” declared Weight Watchers President Dave Burwick during a press conference with the mayor at the Flushing Meadows Park recreation center.
Other diet gurus also on board include the creators of Jenny Craig, the South Beach Diet, Best Life Diet, Dukan Diet and Picture Perfect Weight Loss.
Backing up the experts was Rachelle Conley, a 45-year-old mom from Laurelton, Queens, who said she lost 91 of her 279 pounds since 2009 by kicking a vicious sugar habit that included large, sweetened drinks.
Bloomberg has asked the Board of Health — which he controls — to impose a 16-ounce limit on the size of sugary beverages sold in eating establishments. Supermarkets and other food stores not regulated by the city Health Department would not be affected. The board meets on Sept. 13 to take up the proposal.
While city officials insist consumers will still be able to buy as much soda as they want — as long as the containers are no larger than 16 ounces — Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said he expects “almost immediately” to see a drop in soda consumption when the new regulation takes effect.
Last month, Bloomberg met with Don Thompson, president of McDonald’s, one of the nation’s largest soda sellers. “They’re trying to encourage healthier eating,” the mayor explained.
