Can Coke's new anti-obesity ads actually lower obesity rates?

And is the soda giant making an honest attempt to improve public health, or just engaging in damage control?

Coca-Cola says its doing its part to fight obesity by offering smaller portion control options.
(Image credit: YouTube)

In an attempt to reassure consumers that drinking sugary, carbonated beverages is a-okay, Coca-Cola has released two new commercials highlighting the ways the company is helping to reduce obesity. "Across our portfolio of over 650 beverages, we now offer over 180 low- and no-calorie choices," says the narrator of one commercial, titled "Come Together." The ad goes on to say that calories from soda are no different than any other calories we put into our bodies every day, and suggests that it's the consumer's responsibility to burn off what he or she takes in. A second commercial says a can of Coke contains 140 "happy" calories that can be spent doing "happy" things, like walking your dog and laughing out loud. Here's the second ad:

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Jessica Hullinger

Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.