Many fast food restaurants are making changes to become a healthier option, but now, one beverage giant is jumping on the bandwagon to fight obesity.
In a two-minute advertisement posted on Coca-Cola’s website, a spokesperson says, “We’d like people to come together on something that concerns all of us – obesity … As the nation’s leading beverage company, we can play an important role.”
The commercial starts airing on Monday, most likely intensifying the debate over sodas and public health.
“We see a rise in type 2 diabetes which we associate with adults,” Clinical Dietician Coordinator Emily Wong-Swartz told NBC 6. “I think it's great Coke is taking initiative.”
For over 126 years, Coke has created more than 650 beverages. A total of 180 of them have low and no calorie choices. For some, average calories per serving have been reduced, there are smaller portion sizes, and the calories are labeled right there on the front of each can. According to their new ad, the company has also made some changes in schools.
Soda Vending Machines to Show Calories
“For elementary, middle, and high schools our industry has voluntarily changed its offerings to waters, juices, and low or no calorie options. This has helped the calories to 90% since 2004.”
At Memorial Hospital Miramar, Wong-Swartz added, “Often we blame soda intake on obesity, however, schools have a role to play also in providing nutritional education to students.”
The beverage company said the ad isn’t a reaction to negative feelings, but instead, it’s to raise awareness about what the company has done and the work it plans to do in coming months regarding obesity.
The ad closes with, “All calories count, no matter where they come from – including Coca-Cola and everything else with calories.”