A perfect example of this dynamic was reported recently in Fortune Magazine, showing that Coca-Cola is putting millions of dollars forward to fund a scientific study that will indirectly promote and defend their product. Coca-Cola sought out researchers that have an established belief that diet does not affect weight gain to the extent that most people think it does. The researchers argue that the key to staying slim is exercise and not diet.
Steven N. Blair, one of the researchers recently hired by coke, is the vice president of a group called the Global Energy Balance Network, which argues against a diet-based approach to weight loss.
“Most of the focus in the popular media and in the scientific press is, ‘Oh they’re eating too much, eating too much, eating too much’ — blaming fast food, blaming sugary drinks and so on. And there’s really virtually no compelling evidence that that, in fact, is the cause,” Blair said.
Now Blair and his fellow researchers have a $5.5 million dollar investment from Coke, to create a scientific study that will undoubtedly have the results that they want to see.
While experts have a hard time seeing this problem at work throughout the entire scientific industry, this study is even raising alarms with health experts who place their trust in science.
Marion Nestle, author, and a professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University, pointed out in an interview with the New York Times, that this is obviously a scheme to improve Coke’s image.
“The Global Energy Balance Network is nothing but a front group for Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola’s agenda here is very clear: Get these researchers to confuse the science and deflect attention from dietary intake,” Nestle said.
This seems to be a long term strategy for Coke, as this is not the first scientific study that they have funded and promoted. Earlier this year they published a number of pieces online for American Hearth Month, which suggested that a mini can of Coke could be a “healthy treat” that is actually good for you. Those pieces were largely rejected, so it seems that the company may be toning down their propaganda.
Coke has continued to face a number of financial challenges as sales continue to fall, and people become more health conscious.
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John Vibes writes for True Activist and is an author, researcher and investigative journalist who takes a special interest in the counter-culture and the drug war.
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