Did Coca Cola Help Fund The Anti-Obesity Group Global Energy Balance Network?

A few months ago, one of the most controversial diet debates circulated all though out several news websites stating that Coca-Cola is responsible for funding scientists who shifts the blame for obesity away from bad diets. The news was first written in New York Times.

Stuff then made a follow up report stating that "a non-profit organisation" which was established to fight obesity stated that the $1.5 million that it received from Coke "has no influence on its work."

An email that was sent last November which was obtained by The Associated Press revealed that the Cola Cola Company is involved in shaping the Global Energy Balance, which is led by Colorado School of Medicine.

As per the NBC News website, Coke participated in choosing the group's leader. Not only that the company also influenced Global Energy Balance by editing in mission statement, and having a say in suggesting articles and videos to be posted for its website.

An email that was retrieved was from the group's president stating telling Coke's top executive that:

"I want to help your company avoid the image of being a problem in peoples' lives and back to being a company that brings important and fun things to them."

The proposal which was discussed via email pointed out a vision for a group that would "establish itself as the place the media goes to comment on any obesity issue."

The proposal also stated that the group would be using social media and would run a political style campaign to counter the campaign pushed by the "shrill rhetoric" of "public health extremist" that is currently pushing the taxation or limit foods that are labelled unhealthy.

Coca-Cola Co. CEO Muhtar Kent then stated that there seems to be no transparency in regards to the company's involvement with the Global Energy Balance Network.

"it has become clear to us that there was not a sufficient level of transparency with regard to the company's involvement with the Global Energy Balance Network. Clearly, we have more work to do to reflect the values of this great company in all that we do,"

As of this date, James Hill declined to have a phone interview, but he did state on an email that the group's strategy is for the benefits of "all who are concerned about obesity."

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