Coca-Cola rep on NYC sugary drink ban, says public health is important but obesity also 'about the diet'

Critics say New York City Mayor Bloomberg is declaring war on sugary drinks with a new plan to limit sales of beverages over 16 ounces. But the city's health commissioner, Dr. Thomas Farley, says the research shows this may be a plan that could help the city's rising obesity rate.

"There are a number of studies done over the last few years that demonstrate people are influenced by the portion sizes given to them," Farley says. "If you give people twice as much they'll consume more and won't notice and feel any different about it. If you give people a 16 ounce cup they'll probably consume less. I think the studies suggest this would have a big impact."

Mayor Bloomberg downplayed the impact on MSNBC, saying the plan wouldn't take away one's right to buy a soda in a supermarket, which the city doesn't have the power to regulate.

To respond to this new plan, Coca-Cola's vice president of science and regulatory affairs Dr. Rhona Applebaum repsonds to the proposed ban.