Doctors Not Happy With Coke's New Deal

Some of the doctors are so upset that they dropping their membership to AAFP in protest. There is also an online protest petition that physicians are signing.

Coke is the first company that has joined in on the AAFP's new "Consumer Alliance" program. This program is designed to bring in money for AAFP.

For the companies that join the program, they can work with the AAFP in developing educational material. The focus will be on helping to educate people on how to live and eat healthy and still be able to enjoy products they love. Products such as Coke.

Neither Coke or AAFP will disclose exactly how much money the deal means for the AAFP, but it is reported to be around a half million dollars. This is the concern many have with the Coke deal.

There is the concern that with the Coke funding that the messages from the AAFP regarding health concerns in drinking soft drinks will be weakened. AAFP says that Coke will have no influence over the content of the messages that are scheduled to start showing up on their website in January.

Over the years, there have been numerous studies that have shown that soft drinks increase the risks of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cavities. A recent study has shown that fructose used in many soft drinks causes an increase risk of high blood pressure.

The government is considering a tax on junk food such as soft drinks to help fight childhood obesity. Companies such as Coke is opposed to such a tax.

Regardless if the message from AAFP is altered or not due to their deal with Coke; there are many who feel it is sending a mixed message. Many doctors feel this way enough to no longer be a member of the AAFP.

Written by Denise Clay
Exclusive to HULIQ