NYC soda ban another blow for drink makers
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Is the Big Gul
Big Sodas Banned in New York City
p to blame for obesity in the Big Apple? New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg thinks so.
But Bloomberg’s proposal Thursday that the city prohibit restaurants, delis and movie theaters from serving large cups of sodas and other sugary drinks is a bitter twist for companies that make beverages like Coke, Dr Pepper and Pepsi. The ban, which would be the first of its kind in the nation, comes at a time when soda consumption has been declining.
The industry has struggled in recent years as more health-conscious Americans have shifted away from sugary sodas toward bottled water and sports drinks like Gatorade. That’s led to a 20 percent reduction in the calories consumed per capita through carbonated beverages over the last decade, according to the industry tracker Beverage Digest. Under Bloomberg’s proposed ban, soda consumption could slip further.
Dr. Wilson comments:
Although you certainly can find many who support your belief that obesity is all about the calories, unfortunately recent science doesn’t support your view. It is now clear that excessive fructose primarily from sugar and HFCS is the driving force behind insulin resistance and central obesity.
When you have insulin resistance and consume high glycemic carbohydrates—say that large order of fries you consume with your fructose infused soda, your brain is subjected to magnified glucose spikes. Over time these magnified glucose spikes can trigger a chronic brain disorder called Carbohydrate Associated Reversible Brain syndrome or CARB syndrome. One of the first symptoms of CARB syndrome is craving sweet or starchy foods causing people to consume more of the food that is frying their brain.
Because the brain plays a key role in auto-regulating fat stores, people with CARB syndrome begin to store extra fat even when they are dieting and under-eating to lose weight.
I’m not sure the Mayor’s proposal will have any positive impact on any of this but before you criticize it I suggest that you get the science right.
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