Mental Health

Coco-Cola to Air TV Ads Addressing Obesity

By Staff Reporter | Update Date: Jan 14, 2013 03:21 PM EST

Coca-Cola, the world's top beverage company, is addressing obesity concerns which have haunted the company for years by rolling out new commercials which defends its sugar free soda offerings.

In a two-minute advertisement set to debut tonight on cable news channels, the Atlanta company will tackle what it calls the "complex challenge of obesity."

Coke says the TV ads are part of a larger campaign that looks at fighting obesity, including exercise and more diet options at soda fountains.

All of the growth in Coke's soda business over the past 15 years has come from low-and no-calorie drinks, such as Coke Zero.

Diet sodas now account for nearly a third of the company's sales in the United States and Canada.

The Atlanta-based company on Monday will begin airing a two-minute spot during the highest-rated shows on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC in hopes of becoming a more influential voice in the intensifying debate over sodas and their impact on public health, according to the Associated Press.

The ad lays out Coca-Cola's record of providing drinks with fewer calories over the years and notes that weight gain is the result of consuming too many calories of any kind - not just soda.

In a spot called "Coming Together", Coca-Cola will showcase its efforts to be transparent about the nutritional content of its products while also expanding its lineup of better-for-you beverages with low or no calories.

The ad will also urge viewers "to be mindful that all calories count" in managing weight - as in, not just the ones consumed from soda.

A second ad, "Be OK," will debut on "American Idol" on Wednesday. That 30-second spot, created by Latin America shop David The Agency, will also air during the Super Bowl pre-game show. Ms. Garza Ciarlante said "Be Ok" is part of a global campaign that's in keeping with the Coca-Cola brand voice. It features a host of activities -- walking a dog, dancing -- that burn off the 140 calories in a regular can of Coke.

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