Earlier this year, Coca-Cola revealed an advert to its US audience which attempted to address the obesity issue.
Today (6 March), Coca-Cola’s European arm has brought the ad to the UK, sending a similar message that the drinks company is responsible when it comes to its consumers' health and has many other, lower-calorie, offerings.
The first two-minute ad aired on ITV and Channel 4 this evening, highlighting diet and sugar-free versions such as Diet Coke and Coke Zero.
A second advert, shown later the same night, has concentrated on showing different ways you can burn off the 139 calories contained in a can of Coke.
Print advertising will follow up the TV ad messages as well as promoting the company’s new low-calorie version of Sprite, which will entirely replace the current product.
James Quincey, president of the Europe group for Coca-Cola, said: “This is a very clear, public statement by the company about how committed we are to helping tackle the problem of obesity.
“It is about giving people more information, more choices and supporting active lifestyles.
“What we have done in the past has not been enough so we want to do more.”