Guest opinion: Erik Kramer: Louisville needs ordinance for default no-sugar beverages in kids meals
The time has come for Louisville to join Lafayette, Golden and Longmont in prioritizing the health of our children. By adopting a city ordinance defaulting to non-sugar flavored beverages in kids m… The childhood obesity epidemic in Boulder County has reached alarming levels, with over one in four children experiencing overweight or obesity. In response, neighboring cities such as Lafayette, Golden and Longmont have enacted city ordinances defaulting to non-sugar flavored beverages in kids meals at restaurants. This policy would only require restaurants to advertise and offer unsweetened beverages like water or unsweetening milk on their children’s menus. The impact on Louisville restaurants would primarily involve changing menus and educating staff, with funds available to help restaurants make these changes. By adopting a city ordinance defaultingto non-Sugar flavored drinks in children meals, we can take a significant step toward creating a healthier future for the next generation in our community.
Published : one year ago by Daily Camera guest opinion in
The childhood obesity epidemic in Boulder County has reached alarming levels, with over one in four children experiencing overweight or obesity. In response, neighboring cities such as Lafayette, Golden and Longmont have enacted city ordinances defaulting to non-sugar flavored beverages in kids meals at restaurants. It’s high time for Louisville to follow suit and take decisive action to protect our children’s health.
Sugar-sweetened beverages are a leading contributor to chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cavities, liver disease and obesity. Children who consume at least one sugary drink per day are 55% more likely to experience too much weight for their health, increasing their risk of serious health conditions later in life. Moreover, sugary drinks are the primary source of sugar in children’s diets, and there is a strong link between the amount and frequency of sugar consumed and dental cavities. The Boulder County Board of Health declared an epidemic of children experiencing overweight and obesity in 2019. Although Colorado is the fittest state, it is one of four states with a statistically significant increase in rates of overweight and obesity among children, ranking 23rd in the nation. Over a quarter of Boulder County children aged 5 to 14 years are experiencing overweight or obesity, a rate higher than the state average.
By defaulting to non-sugar flavored beverages in kids meals, we can help curb the consumption of these harmful drinks and promote healthier lifestyles for our children. Marketing tactics employed by sugary drink companies disproportionately target children, particularly children of color. Despite pledges from major beverage brands to not market to children under 12, these companies continue to spend billions on advertising and promotional materials that directly appeal to children.
The proposed ordinance in Louisville would only require restaurants to advertise and offer unsweetened beverages like water or unsweetened milk on their children’s menus. This policy does not limit the choices parents and children have, but it does shift the focus to healthier options. Defaults work — research has shown that when healthier options are made the default choice, they are more likely to be selected.
Similar policies have been enacted in other cities and states, and they have proven to be cost-neutral for businesses. The impact on Louisville restaurants would primarily involve changing menus and educating staff, with funds available to help restaurants make these changes. Enforcement would be integrated with regular health inspections, giving businesses ample time for implementation.
Taking action on this issue is critical from a health equity standpoint. Children of color and those from lower-income families are disproportionately affected by the marketing and consumption of sugary drinks. By enacting this ordinance, we can help mitigate the health disparities faced by these vulnerable populations and create a more equitable future for all children in Louisville.
The time has come for Louisville to join Lafayette, Golden and Longmont in prioritizing the health of our children. By adopting a city ordinance defaulting to non-sugar flavored beverages in kids meals, we can take a significant step toward creating a healthier future for the next generation in our community.
Dr. Erik Kramer, DO MPH Dipl. of ABOM, lives in Louisville.
Topics: Kentucky, Louisville