Baltimore City Health Department, Councilman Mosby Announce Efforts to Educate Residents on the Health Dangers of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BALTIMORE, MD (January 11, 2015)– In an effort to reduce childhood obesity, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today joined Councilman Nick Mosby to announce a City Council bill that would require warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages in advertisements, restaurant menus, and in any city store that sells those products. A sugar-sweetened beverage is any beverage that contains added caloric sweetener, including: soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, most juices, sweetened coffee drinks, sweetened teas, etc.

“The science is clear: The biggest contributor to childhood obesity is sugary drinks,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “Childhood obesity will lead to adult diseases that kill, and we must do everything we can to protect the health of our children. We must inform our residents about the danger of sugar-sweetened beverages.”

In Baltimore, one in three school-aged children is either overweight or obese. One in four of the city’s children drink one or more sodas every day. Research has shown that sugar-sweetened beverages promote weight gain and are the primary sources of added sugar and calories in children’s diets. Scientific studies also show that consumption of these beverages can lead to major preventable illnesses such as tooth decay, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and obesity. In fact, drinking one sugar-sweetened beverage per day increases a child’s odds of becoming obese by 60 percent.

The bill, which will be introduced during tonight’s City Council meeting would require food service facilities, retailers, and certain advertisements posted within Baltimore City, including billboards, and transit ads, to post  following message: “WARNING: DRINKING BEVERAGES WITH ADDED SUGAR CONTRIBUTES TO TOOTH DECAY, OBESITY, AND DIABETES. THIS MESSAGE IS FROM THE BALTIMORE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT.” Baltimore City would become the second jurisdiction in the country to issues such a warning.

Additionally, the Baltimore City Health Department today launched a public health education campaign called “Rethink Your Drink to educate residents on the dangers of these beverages. The campaign includes: facts about sugar-sweetened beverages, a petition collecting Baltimore resident’s support, and a 30 day challenge to cut out all sugary drinks from your diet. Residents can track their progress with BCHD’s Rethink Your Drink calendar. To learn more, visit: http://health.baltimorecity.gov/RethinkYourDrink

“Research shows that companies disproportionally market sugary drinks to poor neighborhoods, increasing health disparities in our most vulnerable communities. This is an issue of justice as much as it is one of health,” added Dr. Wen. “We hope everyone will support these efforts to improve the health and well-being of Baltimore’s residents. Together we can all live longer, healthier lives."

Related Stories

Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Declared for Tuesday, July 8th

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, July 7, 2025) – With temperatures expected to rise in the Baltimore region, the heat index is forecasted to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, July 8, Baltimore City Interim Commissioner of Health Mary Beth Haller has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert. The alert signals dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels that pose a serious risk to health and safety, especially for vulnerable adults, children, and those working outdoors.  

TODAY: Health Department Announces Additional Cooling Centers in Response to Escalating Heat Index for Tuesday, June 24

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, June 24, 2025) – As temperatures continue to rise and the heat index escalates, Baltimore City remains under a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Thursday, June 26th. With today's heat index expected to exceed 110 degrees, additional cooling centers will be available across the City for those seeking relief from the heat.  

Interim Health Commissioner Declares First Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday, June 22nd Through Thursday, June 26th

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, June 20, 2025) – With temperatures expected to rise in the Baltimore region and the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for multiple days starting Sunday, June 22nd, the Baltimore City Interim Commissioner of Health Mary Beth Haller has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday, 22nd through Thursday, June 26th. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.