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Utica, NY (WIBX) - If New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gets his way, there would be a ban on a wide range of sugar laden drinks over 16 fluid ounces. The New York Times reports the proposed ban could go into effect as early as next March.

We asked area residents their thoughts on the ban, and here's what some of you said: "Government's got to stay out of people's personal lives." "I don't think that obesity is just from drinks." "This is America, we have a choice and freedom. It's like buying a pack of cigarettes--if you want to buy them, you buy them, if you don't buy them, you don't buy them." "I agree with his attitude but people have to make their own decisions."

There was only one supporter of the ban who said, "I think it's a good idea, there's too many fat people in this world today and they need to lose some weight." Other drinks targeted include sweetened iced tea sold at restaurants, movie theaters and from street carts. The paper says it would not apply to diet sodas, fruit juices or alcoholic beverages.

Registered Dietitian, Michelle Easterly Barber, of Syracuse, says sugar laden drinks are not the only contributors to obesity. "It's really an overall consumption of calories in ones diet that contributes to obesity. So, to have one source of ban on sugary substances is an interesting approach. And, what research actually says today is that taxes and bans do not reduce obesity," she said. She says people relate better to positive approaches to nutrition. "Education and moderation is really what's key here," she adds.

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