Regulation of the Big Gulp?

So there's a big kerfuffle brewing based on this  news story today.  Basically, to address the obesity epidemic, Mayor Bloomberg is proposing that sugared drinks in New York should only be sold in 16oz containers or less.  We do know that sugared drinks contribute around 50% of the calories consumed by our kids and indeed represent the highest calorie intake per day in the diet of the typical American.  And we also know that these excessive calories contribute to our expanding waist lines and massively increasing healthcare costs.

In an earlier post I also discussed the HBO documentary "The Weight of the Nation", in which we learned that 2/3s of us are overweight or obese and only 1/3 of us are maintaining a healthy weight.  So I guess Mayor Bloomberg is suggesting that we need a bit of extra help in trying to cut back on our caloric intake?!

I don't think that reducing the size of the portion does much to change someones behavior, however, one could argue that we have this huge (no pun intended!) problem and perhaps we do need some help.  I personally am a proponent of a sugar tax - basically, throw a 50c or so tax on sugared beverages and throw it in a Medicare "savings account" to try to alleviate the massive expense that happens when chronic excess weight gain remains unchecked over the decades, and then burdens the Medicare system.

On the other hand, some would say well, what about steaks?  Should we say you can only buy a 6oz ribeye?  Or perhaps you can only buy 2 slices of cheddar cheese?  Or maybe if you buy one lettuce you can only buy 6 tablespoons of full-fat salad dressing?  ....ummm...is this starting to sound a little COMMUNIST to anyone?

Thoughts?  Would love to hear them!