Boston continues to fight obesity with sugary drink ban

Many Boston coffee shops and food vendors will be cutting some beverages out of their usual stock due to a new ban that prohibits the sale of sugary drinks on city property, according to a recent article published in the Boston Globe.

Mayor Thomas Menino told the newspaper that sodas, sports drinks and other beverages with added sugars contribute to America's obesity epidemic. Therefore, he said policymakers should help people make healthy choices by removing these items from a number of popular downtown locations.

This is only one of many new initiatives that city and health officials have undertaken over the past few years. According to the news provider, saturated fats were banned in Boston two years ago. There has been a call for more farmers markets, community gardens and neighborhood walking clubs as well.

Fruits and vegetables are key elements of a balanced diet. They are both nutritious and low-calorie options for people who want to lose weight and achieve good overall health.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that there is a need for more anti-obesity initiatives nationwide. According to the organization, more than 60 percent of Americans are overweight.