New York City Launches Ad Campaign Urging Reduced Portion Sizes
The New York City Health Department has launched a “hard-hitting” ad
campaign encouraging subway riders to cut their portions of food and sugary
drinks to reduce the health risks associated with obesity. One poster, for
example, depicts a diabetic man with an amputated leg with the tagline, “Cut
Your Portions, Cut Your Risk.”
“The portion sizes that are marketed are often much more than humans
need,” Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said. “We are warning people
about the risks of super-size portions so they can make more informed
choices about what they eat. Consuming too many calories can lead to weight
gain, which greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.”
The American Beverage Association (ABA) has reportedly criticized the campaign, claiming that it inaccurately depicts the health impacts of soft drink consumption. “Instead of utilizing scare tactics, the beverage industry is offering real solutions like smaller portioned containers and new calorie labels that show the number of calories in the full container, right up front, to help people choose products and sizes that are right for them and their families,” an ABA spokesperson said. See NYC Health Department Press Release, January 9, 2012; Reuters, January 10, 2012.
