Coca-Cola to Publicly Address Obesity for First Time

By JORDAN BRANDES The Atlanta-based Coca-Cola, one of the largest soft drink brands in the world, took a big risk this week by unveiling a commercial that addresses the link between soft drinks and obesity head on. The two-minute spot showcases the brand’s record of providing drinks with fewer calories and notes that weight gain is the result of consuming too many calories in general, not just of soda. Another ad to air later this week focuses on how to burn off the 140 "happy calories" in a can of Coke. Coca-Cola is the first soft drink brand to publicly address the issue, which has been a topic of much debate recently. Last year New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg approved a ban on sodas served in cups larger than 16 ounces. The same maneuver is currently being considered in Washington D.C. and other major metropolitan cities as well. This has naturally put soda makers on the defensive which many see as the biggest reason for the creation of the advertisement. Check out the commercial below to see for yourself.