TYLER (KYTX) - Do you think any government agency should ban sugary drinks?
Thursday, the New York City Board of Health approved a ban on drinks like sodas and energy drinks sold in servings over 16 ounces. Now it's becoming a concern for other states like Texas, which has a 29 percent obesity rate.
CBS 19 found out how east Texas feel about soda bans.
"I don't think it's going to change anything," says Tylerite Moniqua Harvey.
The Lone Star State ranks 13 in the nation for obesity, raising many questions about how to cut off the problem.
New York City's ban stops restaurants, fast food joints, movie theaters, and stadiums from selling sugary drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces. That's bubbling up concerns on the influence it could have on health departments in Texas.
Aaron Sinke from Tyler believes a ban like New York's crosses boundaries.
"I think it's the individual's responsibility to take care of their own bodies and the government shouldn't have a say in it. I think it invades on individuals' freedoms."
When asked if he'd be upset about a similar ban in Texas he said, "Yeah, because I think it's just more big government. I think it's totally inappropriate. It's not their responsibility. It's my responsibility. If I want to have a soda, I'm going to have a soda."
Moniqua Harvey agrees.
"I'm sure there'd be a lot of unhappy East Texans," she says.
She doesn't think this type of ban will keep people from drinking sugary drinks.
"You can still go to the gas station and buy it," Harvey says. "They're still going to drink soda. They' re not changing anything."
However, soda ban supporters say many recent studies show that the ban could create huge change.
Health experts say that of course, sodas are not solely responsible for the crippling obesity problem, but a health department study found that choosing a 16 oz drink a day verses a 20 oz drink, will save you about 14,600 calories a year.
"I think it's a good effort to try to do it, but it probably won't last," says Tyler father of two, David Tennant. He doesn't believe the ban will keep people from drinking sugary beverages.
"They'll find ways to get around it probably," he says.
However, he does think the hype will get people thinking about obesity rates and start a conversation about better health decisions.
New York's new policy does not include diet sodas, soft drinks sold in grocery stores, and in most convenient stores. Beer is also not included in the ban.
So far, the state of Texas has not mentioned anything about a similar policy.
