Why I Support Bloomberg's Soda Ban

In case you haven't been following the news, here is a little recap of Bloomberg's plans:

Any sweetened drink that has more than 25 calories per 8 fl oz is banned from being sold in over 16oz. 

I get why many are opposed to this idea. It's nice to know that you have options and that there is no one out there telling you what you can and can't have. It's about having the freedom to do what you want to do. It should be your choice in deciding what you do to your body because it's YOUR body. I get it. But...

1) These drinks are a major contributor to the obesity epidemic which leads to a slew of other problems like diabetes.
2) Many people don't know just how much of an impact their beverage choice has and in effect can't police themselves.
3) Somehow we managed with smaller beverage sizes back in the day without feeling gypped. In 1955, for instance, the largest soda sold was 7 oz. Nowadays, a child size soda is 12 oz!

With all of these factors in mind, I don't feel like Bloomberg's soda ban is imposing on our personal freedoms. I simply get angered at all of the companies (not just those selling soda) that grossly supersize products. I don't believe it's done with good intentions, it's done out of greed. Their goal is to make money. That's the bottom line.

Let's not forget that the soda ban says nothing about not being allowed to purchase multiple sodas and then guzzling them all down. The soda ban isn't even banning soda. It's about being reasonable. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can't be left to do that on our own. Have a look at How Can a Big Gulp Look So Small?, an article from The New York Times Magazine, explaining how studies have found that our brain has difficulty discerning differences in serving sizes - especially when looking at a fast-food soda cup.

What do you think? Do you support or oppose Bloomberg's soda ban? Would love to hear your thoughts!