Listen to Dori Monson weekdays on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM
 Dori Monson


Coca Cola fighting obesity through advertising

BY Jillian Raftery  on January 15, 2013 @ 11:30 am (Updated: 7:11 am - 1/17/13 )



Soft drinks have long been held as the worst of the worst in the fight against obesity. So much so that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg banned the sale of soft drinks over 16 ounces within city limits.

But Coca Cola's new public relations campaign has them saying they aren't part of the problem, they are working to be part of the solution.

David Boze, filling in for Dori, sees this as a good move. But he's concerned that the message will take emphasis away from the personal responsibility of an individual's health.

Critics, on the other hand, are still angry at Coca Cola. They downplay personal responsibility by saying that the advertising campaign, which focuses on educating the public about obesity, is just a smokescreen that makes them look good while they market sugary beverages to already-overweight Americans.

The advertisement itself touts the wide selection of Coca Cola-owned brands and diet drink options as a major step in the battle against obesity. It also goes on to caution people about the dangers of over-consumption.

"All calories count, no matter where they come from: including Coca Cola, and everything else with calories. And if you eat and drink more calories than you burn off," says the commercial, "you'll gain weight."

The only problem David has with the message is that the commercial is pushing for a national discussion and group consensus on dealing with the obesity epidemic:

"At Coca Cola, we know when people come together we can make a real difference."

David, who struggled with a weight problem at one point himself, firmly believes that the only way Americans can improve health and banish obesity is for every individual to feel personally responsible for their weight.

"The solution is for you to take charge of your own life," says David. "And decide for yourself that you want to get better, and then find a way to do it."

Jillian Raftery, Social Media Captain
Jillian Raftery is a social media captain for the Dori Monson Show. She loves the neighborly vibe of the Pacific Northwest and spends as much time as possible outdoors.
Related:
More Dori Monson

MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (4)


  • Add A Comment

  • fartforce1 wrote...
    They make a smaller can, and claim a 22% reduction in calories.
    January 15, 2013 4:52 pm
    I love Coke products, WITH sugar. I am not fat and I eat good. Many picky eaters with balanced diet enjoy a coke product. I am, and I am going to smile about it!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • soo purletiv wrote...
    The B-52s with guest Berlin
    January 15, 2013 7:44 pm
    That is more important news than this article...

    Future Mariner's owner Mark Cuban took issue with this advertisement by Coke! Now that is news!

    I'm sorry, what were we talking about?...

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Citizen of Krazy Town wrote...
    If Coke really wanted to fight obesity
    January 16, 2013 8:22 pm
    They would stop putting HFCS in it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Stevebo wrote...
    At what point in time will we ever take personal responsibility for ourselves?
    January 17, 2013 9:33 am
    I'm getting excessively tired of this mentality where we have to go on "crusades" against these "evil" corporations such as Coca Cola.

    The last time I checked, companies that make candy bars and soda do not tie me to a chair and force feed me their products. I VOLUNTARILY consume them.

    I am in the process of losing weight. I used to drink Coca Cola on a daily basis. However, I have made a concious decision to stop drinking them daily and limit myself to one every once in a while as a treat.

    I gained weight because of my own choices and I am now losing weight - also because of my OWN choices.

    The Coca Cola company has absolutely no bearing on my weight gain or loss.

    They simply produce a product that I find delicious and enjoy drinking.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }