Coca-Cola's new Oz anti-obesity campaign slammed for being 'smokescreen'

Health experts have reportedly called the efforts of soft drink manufacturer Coca-Cola's new Australian campaign at combating obesity as 'smokescreen'.

Coca-Cola in its new campaign has vowed to fight against obesity in Australia by increasing the availability of smaller portion sizes, offering more low-kilojoule products and supporting physical activity programs, The Age reports.

Although, the company claims to be part of the solution to Australia's obesity problem, experts have said that it should be doing things that practically work.

Professor of public health at the University of Melbourne, Rob Moodie said that Coca-Cola's attempts are 'smokescreen' adding that obesity is a commercial success and Coca-Cola has been a huge participant and beneficiary of that commercial success and its job is not health but making money.

Jane Martin from the Obesity Policy Coalition reiterated Moddie's take and said that it is 'weight-washing' when large corporations like Coca-Cola who are into business of making money and selling products get involved into public health.

The report said that the health experts demand Coca-Cola to sell less sugary drinks, get them out of schools and sports centres and not market it to teenagers.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Australia's group marketing manager Donna Mulholland defended the company's commitment to fighting obesity and said that though there would be skepticism the company should be judged in six month's time, the report added.