New York City has recently passed in to law, a ban of large soda containers throughout the entire city; they are taking a stand against soda corporations and freeing themselves from the engulfing influence of these companies. Large soda corporations have their hands in nearly every aspect of Americans' lives, including their health. Diseases such as diabetes, hyperextension, and osteoporosis have seen a recent spike due to the 135% increase in the consumption of sugary drinks. The government of the State of South Carolina, along with its students and citizens, must take a stand against soda companies in order to protect the health of the youth and the betterment of their futures. 

Growing up in the health and fitness industry, I was exposed to positive health habits from the time I was born. My mother is a personal trainer and I have spent countless hours in the health club, learning from her experiences with obese patients. The topic of obesity in the United States is very important to me because it is a controllable problem and I feel a sense that I should be helping in some way. The topic of obesity has had a huge effect on my family and over a quarter of the people in the United States. I want to help end the obesity crisis in our country as a sense of duty to help all Americans live a healthier lifestyle.

Obesity has had a large effect on my personal family and I have seen first hand the negative side effects that come with it. My aunt and uncle both suffered from obesity since their college days and it effected their lives substantially. The disease made their job as foster parents much more difficult; they lacked the energy necessary to raising multiple children at the same time. I have seen their ongoing fight against obesity, along with my mother helping people live with the disease. The topic of obesity has heavily influenced my life and has helped steer me towards a healthy lifestyle. With the help of the community, it is possible for anyone to overcome obesity and start living a life full of healthy choices. 

The Harvard School of Public Health has published many informative articles concerning the effects of consuming sugary drinks. This article claims that soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks are the main cause in the increasingly high childhood obesity rates. It is stated that sugary drinks account for the most calories in a child's diet, above all other foods. The School of Public Health recognizes the importance of a healthy diet yet they also see the importance of this income for the Coca-Cola corporation. The interest of public health is in jeopardy unless something is done in order to reduce the consumption of these unhealthy beverages. The unflinching credibility of Harvard University distinguishes itself as they continue to lead the country in research. The increased consumption of sugary drinks is having a very serious effect on the health of the country and action must be taken in order to prevent any more damage.

Coca-Cola CEO, Steve Cahillane, addresses the Associated Press in Chicago after the recent ban on large soda containers created by New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg. Cahillane says that Coca-Cola is being wrongfully discriminated against by local governments because of the rising obesity rates in the United States. The CEO stats that the company has been working overtime to help solve the problem of obesity, which is much more complex than just banning soda products. Cahillane is very knowledgeable of the inner-workings of Coca-Cola and all of the initiatives they have to fight obesity. Also, he serves as a very bias source, being the CEO of Coca-Cola it is in his best interest to defend the company under any circumstance. Coca-Cola CEO, Steve Cahillane, disputes the role of soda on the increasing rates of obesity and the corporation feels attacked because of recent legislation banning large containers of their sugary drinks.

CNN's Amanda MacMillan explains the harmful effects of soda on the human body and she gives an easy guide that will help people quit their addiction to the sugary beverages. This article explains the high-calorie and sugar content of soda and it also provides ways in which someone can decrease their cravings for these beverages. MacMillan suggests the consumption of different, yet similar drinks such as tea, carbonated water, or watered-down soda in place of these unhealthy drinks. Amanda MacMillan encourages American's with soda addictions to try her tricks for a two-week period, a fairly short time that could prove to be life changing. She recognizes the importance of the public's health and values a healthy lifestyle. With evidence from the American Heart Association, Ms. MacMillan's credibility is very strong. Along with the well-known publisher, CNN, this article can be seen as a reliable source of information. The growing problem of obesity in the United States, mainly caused by sugary beverages, can be stopped at the individual level and soda addiction can be overcome by anyone. 

The obesity crisis that is sweeping the nation must be taken seriously in order for the government to rightfully solve this problem. There are many side arguments that can be made about the numerous causes of obesity, soda being one of the leaders. Also, there exists arguments that say that the government should not infringe on the public's right to choose their own diet and lifestyle. This discrepancy between rights and the overall well-being of the citizens of the United States will create much friction for this argument. Along with the large revenues of big soda corporations, who will lobby congress to no end, the people of the United States will fight against government regulation regardless of its potentially life saving effects. The people of the United States must take a stand against Coca-Cola and other large soda companies in order to control the obesity crisis that it hurting the lives of millions of Americans. 

