One of New York City's most ambitious efforts to prod residents to live healthier appears poised to pass as a health panel takes up a plan to cut down sales of big-sized sodas and other sugary drinks.

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Thursday's Board of Health meeting could bring the final vote on the proposal. But it may not be the final word.

The plan would bar sales of sugar-heavy drinks in more than 16-ounce cups or containers in restaurants, movie theaters and some other settings.

Advocates include Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a roster of doctors. They say the proposal strikes at a leading cause of obesity.

Soda makers and sellers say the plan unfairly singles out soft drinks as fat culprits. A beverage industry-led group says it's considering suing if the proposal passes.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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