When it comes to obesity – an issue with many contributing factors – government regulations such as soda taxes and warning labels are a misguided solution. Why? Because teaching people that one product is at fault for this complex public health issue is inaccurate.

As registered dietitian and beverage industry consultant Lisa Katic put it yesterday when speaking against recent proposed regulations in San Francisco, “important facts were missing from their discussion on the sources of obesity, such as inactivity, genetics and overconsumption of food items like pizza and burgers.”

Katic goes on to say, “When we get into warning collective audiences of people, it’s ineffective…People are tired of being told what they can’t do and can’t have.”

She has a point. These types of regulations which have been proposed in many cities and states in recent years with little success are more about limiting people’s choices instead of teaching them about the factors that cause obesity, and how to prevent it.

It’s all about moderation and balance. Instead of telling people what they should or shouldn’t buy in the grocery store, we should be promoting the importance of balancing what they eat and drink with what they do. What it all comes down to is monitoring calories in versus calories out, both from food and beverages.

The beverage industry is committed to bringing people the choices and information to help them maintain a balanced lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a low- or no-calorie beverage to reduce calories or prefer a traditional soft drink, our member companies offer a wide range of options and provide clear calorie information on all their products.

To learn more about why government regulations are not a silver bullet solution to obesity check out YourCartYourChoice.com.