The Baltimore City Health Department is asking for your help to fight the epidemic of childhood obesity.

THE FACTS:

In Baltimore, one in three school-aged children is either overweight or obese. One major cause is sugary drinks, aka sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). One in four of our city’s children drink one or more sodas every day. Research has shown that SSB’s 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 SSB per day increases a child’s odds of becoming obese by 60%.

THE CAMPAIGN:

The Baltimore City Health Department is launching a public health education campaign called “Rethink Your Drink”. We are also supporting legislation to require the following warning labels on all SSB advertisements, restaurant menus, and in any store that sells SSB’s:

“WARNING: DRINKING BEVERAGES WITH ADDED SUGAR CONTRIBUTES TO TOOTH DECAY, OBESITY, AND DIABETES. THIS MESSAGE IS FROM THE BALTIMORE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT”.

As the public health authority of the city, and based on unbiased, evidence-based research, we know that these efforts will help the health and well-being of Baltimore’s residents. There will be people who oppose these efforts based on their personal gain. But they do not have science and the best interest of Baltimore’s children at heart.

THAT’S WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP!

• Please help us by signing our petition http://bit.ly/Rethink-Your-Drink
• Call your city councilperson and tell them to protect the health of our children by supporting this legislation. Click here to find your city councilperson
• Participate in our 30-day SSB-free challenge and #RethinkYourDrink for the next 30 days by printing the calendar below and following us on social media

Thank you for your partnership with us as we raise awareness of the dangers of SSBs and help our children live happy and healthy lives.

Related Documents:

Baltimore Statement on Dangers of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages – See who have signed on to join our efforts!

Rethink Your Drink Calendar – Print this calendar and join us in the 30-day challenge to be free of SSBs! Don’t forget to tag us on Twitter and Instagram @Bmore_Healthy

SSB fact sheet – Learn the facts about the effects of SSBs

B’More Health Talk Episode 8: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Better Beverage Finder – Find out if your drink qualifies as a “Better Beverage”

Switch the Drink – Switch your favorite drink to a “Better Beverage”

Have questions? Email us at bmoreheard@baltimorecity.gov