Take real action on obesity - health groups tell Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola should take practical steps to address the core drivers of weight gain instead of masquerading as a tackler of obesity, peak health and community organisations have told the company.

In a letter to the company's Australian and New Zealand operations, the organisations give six key ways to reduce obesity levels. They range from reducing the sugar content of the company’s soft drinks to stopping promotion of the message that high-kilojoule beverages are part of a healthy balanced diet.

The bodies remind Coca-Cola that the long term health risks of obesity include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. (Soft drinks generally can also cause tooth cavities and the tooth enamel to wear away.)

The letter was signed by Cancer Council Victoria, Australian Dental Association, Australia New Zealand Obesity Society, Diabetes Australia, Heart Foundation Victoria, Physical Activity Australia, Nutrition Australia (Victorian Division) , The Parents Jury, representatives of the University of Sydney and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, and the Obesity Policy Coalition (which includes Diabetes Australia –Victoria and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University).

Click here to see the Media Release.