Childhood obesity is a growing health concern in California. The mayor of San Francisco says he wants to battle the problem by taxing major retailers of soft drinks. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
California health officials say a lack of exercise and poor eating habits contribute to childhood obesity.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom says sugary soft drinks are a big part of the problem. He says a recent health department survey shows nearly a quarter of that city's seventh graders are overweight. The mayor says the survey reveals sweetened drinks make up ten percent of the students' caloric intake.
Newsom says obesity costs his city's healthcare system millions of dollars a year. He'd like San Francisco's biggest retailers of sodas to pay a special fee.
Governor Schwarzenegger says California is already leading the fight against childhood obesity. He says state laws banning the sale of junk food and sodas in schools are part of the effort.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
