Most consumers surveyed in a recent poll — 67% — said they do not support a proposal to restrict the size of sweetened beverages in New York City restaurants and other venues. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed limiting certain beverages to 16 ounces in an effort to promote a more healthful diet and curb obesity. The poll tallied 1,305 responses from the SupermarketGuru Consumer Panel. The plan could have the effect of reducing calorie consumption, however, according to research conducted by two New York University doctors. In a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine last week, Dr. Brian Elbel of the NYU School of Medicine and Dr. Jonathan Cantor of the NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service said their analysis found that if 100% of consumers switched to 16 oz. drinks instead of a beverage subject to the policy, caloric consumption per beverage would decline by 63 calories.
