The Global Energy Balance Network has announced that it will no longer continue its operations. The nonprofit organization which aimed to fight obesity became controversial after the news that it is receiving funds from the Coca-Cola Company broke on the internet.
The organization was accused of providing false information about obesity to excuse the Coke maker from the negative effects of its sugary beverages. Last August, GEBN pointed out that beverages are not the real cause of obesity despite the fact that 180,000 people from around the globe died because of consuming too much sugary drinks.
The GEBN was criticized by health professionals for promoting new teachings that lack scientific evidence. The group made the headlines when it was discovered that Coca-Cola funded the organization just to help the company lure the consumers and make them think that Coke will not make them obese.
Reports revealed that the GEBN received a $1 million financial support from the multinational beverage corporation to gain their favor. The money was intended to support the scientist who were conducting the studies. However, the group first denied the allegations and insisted that they are only looking for other approaches to end obesity. But the source of their funds has marred the credibility of the organization.
The sales of the Coca-Cola Company is said to be decreasing due to the increasing awareness of the consumers about the health consequences of drinking too much soda. Health officials believe that the company is becoming desperate to prevent their sales from slipping.
"Coca-Cola's sales are slipping, and there's this huge political and public backlash against soda, with every major city trying to do something to curb consumption," stated by Michele Simon, a public health lawyer.
The Atlanta-based company does not believe that sugary drinks are the main cause of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
