Coke on Soda Tax for Obesity: It's You, Not Us

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CEO of Coca-Cola Argues Lack of Exercise, Not Soda, Is to Blame for Obesity

By LAUREN COX
ABC News Medical Unit

The chief executive of the Coca-Cola Co. Thursday threw a jab into the fray about proposed soda taxes intended to curb obesity, charging that America's obesity problem is linked more to the nation's sedentary lifestyle than to sugary beverages.

Coke on Soda Tax for Obesity: It's You, Not Us
Muhtar Kent, president of the Coco-Cola Co., carries his lunch at the annual Allen & Co.'s media...
(Nati Harnik/AP Photo)

But some dietitians and public health experts said many of his arguments hold less water than a can of coke.

In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, CEO Muhtar Kent wrote, "In cities and states across America -- and even at the federal level -- this idea [of a soda tax] is getting increased attention despite its regressive nature and inherent illogic."

Along with examples of how a sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain, Kent also argued that two states that have soda taxes -- West Virginia and Arkansas -- also rank among the 10 worst states for obesity rates. Doctors and public health experts agreed that soda is not the sole cause of obesity, but some people also say the tax is a good idea in the fight to curb obesity and raise money for health care programs. Read more...

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