Like I’ve said for years, soft drinks aren’t good for you.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest is asking that the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute not partner with Coca-Cola to raise awareness of heart disease among women.
The center, a consumer advocacy group, says overweight and obesity are prime risk factors for heart disease. The agency shouldn't be bolstering the Coca-Cola Co., the world’s biggest manufacturer of obesity-promoting soft drinks.
On the , Diet Coke is listed first and most prominently among several pages of corporate sponsors for The Heart Truth campaign. Supermodel Heidi Klum is described on the government web site as the "Diet Coke heart health ambassador."
"Though Diet Coke is the ostensible sponsor, it is the entire Coca-Cola product line that is basking in the credibility conferred by a government heart-health agency and a slender supermodel, when in fact Coca-Cola promotes heart disease by marketing drinks that contribute to obesity," Michael F. Jacobson, executive director for the center, said.
"Coke has long sought to affiliate with or co-opt health groups, and associate its brand with athletes and models,” Jacobson said. “I fervently hope that NHLBI officials understand that letting Coke bask in their agency’s good reputation does American hearts far more harm than good."
Last week, President Barack Obama signed an executive order directing a number of cabinet agencies, including the institute’s parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, to develop a strategy to solve the childhood obesity problem within one generation. The order notes that heart disease is one of several obesity-related health problems.
In addition to Coke, the institute’s Heart Truth Web site publicizes two other corporate sponsors: Snyder's of Hanover, which the center describes "a major producer of snack foods made largely of white flour and salt," and Sara Lee, which "is famous for its artery-clogging cheesecakes, salty Ball Park hot dogs, and Jimmy Dean sausages."
Those foods, like Coke and other sugary soft drinks, are foods that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans advises people to eat less of.
