Americans are split on how the nation's obesity epidemic should be handled, according to a new Associated Press poll.

One-third of those asked said the government should be deeply involved in curbing obesity. But a similar number say the government should play little or no role.

"The outlawing of sugary drinks, that's just silly," Keith Donner, 52, of Miami, said of New York City's recent ban on large sodas.

"People should just look at a Big Gulp and say, 'That's not for me.' I think it starts when they are young and at school," he added.
    
The rest are undecided.
    
Americans blame too much time spent watching TV and eating fast food for fueling obesity.

However, more than half oppose taxes on unhealthy foods and three-quarters reject limiting what foods people can buy.