Stop Pouring on Fat, Says New Health Campaign

NEW YORK—A new public-awareness campaign launched by the city is encouraging New Yorkers not to overdo with sugary drinks that are packed with calories. The campaign features a signature image—in which a bottle of soda, “sports” drink or sweetened iced tea turns to a blob of fat as it reaches the glass—and invites New Yorkers to quench their thirst instead with water, seltzer, or low-fat milk.

“Sugary drinks shouldn’t be a part of our everyday diet,” said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas A. Farley.

“Drinking beverages loaded with sugars increases the risk of obesity and associated problems, particularly diabetes but also heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer.”

On average, Americans now consume 200 to 300 more calories each day than 30 years ago, according to the health department. Nearly half of these extra calories come from sugar-sweetened drinks.

“Many people may stir a teaspoon or two of sugar into their coffee, but few realize that a 20-ounce bottle of soda can contain 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar,” reads a health department release.

When health department researchers surveyed adult New Yorkers about their consumption of soda and other sweetened drinks, the findings showed that more than 2 million drink at least one sugar-sweetened soda or other sweetened beverage each day—at as much as 250 calories a pop. Daily consumption was highest among Bronx residents, followed by residents of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. Sweetened-beverage consumption is higher among men than among women, and especially prevalent among 18- to 44-year-olds and among adult blacks and Hispanics.

The campaign’s signature image—in which a bottle of soda, “sports” drink or sweetened iced tea turns to a blob of fat as it reaches the glass—is s a stark reminder of how these products can lead to obesity and related health problems. The ads urge New Yorkers to cut back on sugary beverages and quench their thirst with water, seltzer or low-fat milk instead.

The health department advises parents not to serve their kids punch, fruit-flavored drinks or “sports” and “energy” drinks. Most of them are low in nutrients and high in empty calories. The best way to stay hydrated while exercising is to drink water.

The health department recommends a few strategies to avoid pouring on the pounds, “If you drink coffee or tea, order it plain and flavor it yourself. If you order a sugar-sweetened beverage, ask for a small. When you shop for beverages, read the labels and choose products with fewer than 25 calories per 8-ounce serving. And if you enjoy sugar-sweetened beverages, make them an occasional treat and not a daily staple.”