Obesity is linked to hypertension, heart disease and stroke. In a move to tackle the problem of obesity, restaurants, cafes and canteens in France are now banned from giving unlimited amounts of sugary drinks.

WHO said that obesity has already reached epidemic proportions globally with more than two million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Everyone has a vital role to play in contributing to obesity prevention.

Sugary Drinks Are Linked To Diabetes And Other Health Problems

According to Heatstreet, obesity in France is still below the average in the European Union (EU), but health officials have already responded to the World Health Organization's (WHO) call to tax sugary drinks, which is said to be linked to diabetes and other health problems. There is already a similar ban that is set to be introduced in Britain next year.

BBC reported that self-service "soda fountains" have been a feature of family restaurants and cafes in some European countries. The aim of this new law is to "limit, especially among the young, the risks of obesity, overweight and diabetes."

Obese People Have A Higher Risk Of Getting Heart Disease And More

In a recent survey on adult obesity France at 15.3 percent which is just below the EU average of 15.9 percent. The survey also found that France is slimmer than the UK (20.1 percent) but fatter than Italy (10.7 percent). The new law will make it illegal to offer all-you-can-drink deals in France where the number of overweight or obese people has increased over the past few years.

When a person is obese, it means they have at least 20 percent more than what is considered a normal weight for their height. Although not everyone who is considered obese has these problems, but the risk of getting heart disease and stroke, diabetes, some cancers and sleep apnea are linked to being obese.