Coca-Cola has been accused of using a £20 million anti-obesity drive to distract attention from its contribution to Britain's obesity epidemic.
The drinks giant plans to pour millions into fitness programme called Coca-Cola Zero ParkLives, offering thousands of free sessions and coaching for families across 70 parks in England.
But the announcement immediately attracted criticism from nutrition campaigners who have labelled the scheme "obscene".
Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist and science director for the Action on Sugar campaign group, told The Daily Telegraph: "I think this is a really disingenuous stunt. They are trying to deflect attention from their own part in creating an obesity epidemic, which has been fuelled almost entirely by rising calorie consumption."
Dr Malhotra added the programme was "obscene" because it encouraged such companies to associate themselves with active lifestyles.
Critics have cited warnings from Public Health England that soft drinks and fruit juices packed with sugar are creating an obesity epidemic, especially among young people.
A report commissioned by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey earlier this month found that those aged between four and 18 months are consuming around 40% more sugar than is recommended.
The findings also suggested that soft drinks like Coca-Cola contributed to 30% of sugar intake of those aged between 11 and 18.
But the company has insisted that is playing a part in tackling obesity in Britain, arguing that 40% of sales now come from 'zero calorie' versions of the drink.
Coca-Cola's general manager Jon Woods stressed the company was refusing to shy away from obesity and refused to accept blame for the epidemic.
The drinks giant plans to pour millions into fitness programme called Coca-Cola Zero ParkLives, offering thousands of free sessions and coaching for families across 70 parks in England.
But the announcement immediately attracted criticism from nutrition campaigners who have labelled the scheme "obscene".
Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist and science director for the Action on Sugar campaign group, told The Daily Telegraph: "I think this is a really disingenuous stunt. They are trying to deflect attention from their own part in creating an obesity epidemic, which has been fuelled almost entirely by rising calorie consumption."
Dr Malhotra added the programme was "obscene" because it encouraged such companies to associate themselves with active lifestyles.
Critics have cited warnings from Public Health England that soft drinks and fruit juices packed with sugar are creating an obesity epidemic, especially among young people.
A report commissioned by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey earlier this month found that those aged between four and 18 months are consuming around 40% more sugar than is recommended.
The findings also suggested that soft drinks like Coca-Cola contributed to 30% of sugar intake of those aged between 11 and 18.
But the company has insisted that is playing a part in tackling obesity in Britain, arguing that 40% of sales now come from 'zero calorie' versions of the drink.
Coca-Cola's general manager Jon Woods stressed the company was refusing to shy away from obesity and refused to accept blame for the epidemic.
Read more.- timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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