Coke-funded group swayed China's obesity efforts, researchers say

A group funded by the food industry undermined China's efforts to keep obesity rates in check by overemphasizing the importance of physical activity rather than dietary habits, according to new research.

The International Life Sciences Institute, created in 1978 by a former Coke executive, is funded by companies including McDonald's, PepsiCo and Red Bull. It sponsors scientific research and conferences on food through its 17 international branches.

Its small, but influential, China branch organized obesity conferences focusing on physical activity, with speakers including Coke-funded researchers and a Coke executive. The group enjoyed close ties to government health agencies because of the stature of its long-time leader, according to papers published in The BMJ and The Journal of Public Health Policy.

A national exercise program for school children called "Happy 10 Minutes" was modelled after a pet project of the former Coke executive who founded ILSI.

Obesity an increasing concern in China

In the U.S., prominent politicians and groups often collaborate with food makers on high-profile campaigns to improve public health. Industry efforts aren't always transparent, however, and there has been growing interest in uncovering businesses' hidden influence.

In 2015, The New York Times reported Coca-Cola was funding a nonprofit led by obesity researchers. The Associated Press subsequently obtained emails showing Coke's role in shaping the nonprofit, which the company envisioned would run a political-style campaign to counter the "shrill rhetoric" of "public health extremists."

Amid backlash over the revelations, the Atlanta-based company pledged to be more transparent about its health efforts. In a statement responding to the new paper, the company said it recognizes that "too much sugar isn't good for anyone" and that it is rethinking how to reduce the sugar in its drinks around the world.

While the food industry's influence in the U.S. is well-established, Greenhalgh said conflicts of interest and collaboration with industry are not seen as problems in China.

"The whole political discourse around it is totally different," she said.

Greenhalgh said ILSI's influence in China stemmed from its former leader, who remained a senior adviser until her death last year. The group still shares an office with a government health agency, but its influence may be waning without its former director, Greenhalgh said.

Meanwhile, obesity has become an increasing concern in China. In 2016, China's updated dietary guidelines said sugary drinks should be discouraged. The following year, obesity was one of the health issues targeted in a government nutrition plan.