Many studies show that soft drinks are one of the main causes of obesity in America - particularly when drinking them starts at a young age. A recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine also shows that completely removing soda from children's diets can actually stop excessive weight gain.
Also consider the addictive properties. Caffeine is an addictive substance on its own; causing headaches, mood swings, and lack of energy when an addicted body lacks the chemical. Furthermore the unbelievable amount of sugar in sodas is also addictive.
If children are not allowed to purchase cigarettes because of their addictive and unhealthy properties, all such items should be kept out of their hands.
Obesity is not something to tell our children is "okay." It is an epidemic killing America.