The report said that the Seoul education authorities have banned the sale of fizzy (carbonated) soft drinks in schools. It appears that kids who drink fizzy soft drinks are more prone to become obese.

I live near two schools and I often see obese kids pass by. I have also seen kids on buses and trains who are obese.

I undesrand that obesity may lead to respiratory problems. Here in Singapore, a kid can have fizzy drinks at a fast-food outlet, supermarkets, a neighbourhood store or a drinks-vending machine.

In view of the findings in Seoul, it is time that we, as parents and teachers, do our part to discourage kids from fizzy drinks. Schools can also help by banning sale of fizzy drinks in the canteens.

Retnam Thillainathan