The federal government got an unusual health-related request on Wednesday from the mayors of 18 U.S. cities.
The mayors want the government to outlaw the purchase of sugary soft drinks with food stamps.
Their letter to Congress said its time to take steps to limit the use of high-sugar beverages with an eye toward fighting obesity and the diseases related to it.
The mayors note than more than one-third of American adults are now obese, and generating nearly $150 billion a year in associated medical expenses.
The letter comes from the mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and 14 others.
For New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, it was just the latest attempt to limit sugar consumption in New York City; his proposed legislation in March was overturned by the courts.
The size limit pertained to drinks with more than 25 calories per 8 ounces.
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