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1 Soda A Day Equals 50 Pounds Of Sugar A Year, Says NYC Health Department

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York City Health Department is launching a new campaign to show just how much sugar is in a can of soda.

The health department says drinking one soda a day equals 50 pounds of sugar a year, which can lead to problems like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

"Sugary drinks are the largest single source of added sugar in the diet, and a child's risk of obesity increases with every additional daily serving of a sugary drink," said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley in a statement.

Cathy Nonas, director of the city's physical activity and nutrition program, says that 50 pounds of extra sugar can be harmful to the body.

"When we're looking at a city where there is an epidemic of overweight and obesity and we look at the diseases that are associated with obesity, even in young kids, 50 pounds of sugar a year, of added sugar to rest of the diet, is way too much," Nonas told 1010 WINS.

That's why the health department is launching a 30-second TV spot to talk about health issues associated with sugary drinks and to offer healthy alternatives. 

"We really want New Yorkers all over New York to reduce their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, to drink New York City delicious tap water, to save a calorie and to preserve their health," said Nonas.

There will also be subway posters that show how far a person would have to walk to burn the calories from a single sugary drink.

Back in August, federal officials rejected a request by the city to ban food stamp recipients from using their benefits to buy sodas, sports drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages.

For more information about the health department's new campaign, click here.

What do you think about the campaign? Will it make you cut down on the amount of soda you drink? Sound off below in our comments section...

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