Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced that he is expanding on his ban of sugar-sweetened beverages in public schools to include all city properties, meaning high-calorie sodas, juices and sports drinks will no longer be available in vending machines, concession stands and city-run meetings or events.

Menino, who the Boston Globe reports has struggled with his own weight issues, said in a press release that he wants to make it easier for city employees and residents to make healthy diet choices.

"I want to create a civic environment that makes the healthier choice the easier choice in people's lives, whether it's schools, work sites, or other places in the community," he said.

City buildings and departments have six months until they have to phase out all beverages except bottled waters, diet sodas and iced teas, 100 percent juices, low-sugar sweetened beverages and flavored sweetened milk.

Similar measures are becoming more common as the nation struggles to control its epidemic of obesity. Other cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City have already enacted similar measures to limit or prohibit the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages.