The medical university returned $1 million Coca-Cola donation out of intense criticism

Obesity is a major health issue nowadays among the developed countries and is also spreading to underdeveloped regions too due to food insecurity.

On Friday,The University of Colorado's medical school confirmed returning $1 million donation from Coca-Cola, which was granted in 2014 to support a group of scientists of a advocate nonprofit group, called the Global Energy Balance Network, to carry out research in the causes and treatment of a major health issue, obesity, as reported by CNNMoney. The group argued that physical activity overcomes the diet factor in causing obesity.

The reason behind such move was quite convincing as in the account of the past controversial reports, which was continuously plaguing the repute of the research group, Coke motive behind such ample gift was to reallocate the blame that obesity is caused by bad diets, fast food, and sugary drinks.

"The University of Colorado School of Medicine has notified the Coca-Cola Co. that the University is returning contributions made by the company to support the establishment and operation of the Global Energy Balance Network," according to a statement released over the weekend, mentioned by Consumerist.

Following a huge embarrassment due to tremendous criticism of receiving the funds, Coke's chief executive, Muhtar Kent, tried to defend their cause, as mentioned by The NewYork Times. He revealed that since 2010, the company had already spent almost $120 million to pay for various health-related research conducted and for contracts with prominent medical and community groups involved in reducing the obesity epidemic. The organizations, which accepted the donations included American Academy of Pediatrics, accepting $3 million from Coke to launch its healthychildren.org website, and the country's largest group of dietitians, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which received $1.7 million from Coke.

After the criticism report, Coke Company is facing the consequences as both of the organization decided to break their ties with them. However, the University of Colorado gave their reason that "the funding source has distracted attention from its worthwhile goal."

As reported by the Consumerists, Coke Company will use the returned donations to fund the boys and girls clubs of America.

"While the network continues to support a vigorous scientific discussion of the contributions of dietary and physical activity behaviors to the obesity epidemic, it has become evident that the original vision for G.E.B.N. has not been realized," reads a statement from the beverage biggie.

James O. Hill, a professor at the University of Colorado medical school, who co-founded the Global Energy Balance Network and served as its president, refused to comment over the issue.

However, Steve Bair, one of the scientists of the University of South Carolina, has questioned the blame of obesity on the fast foods.

"Most of the focus in the popular media and the scientific press is, 'Oh they're eating too much, eating too much, eating too much' blaming fast food, blaming sugary drinks and so on, and there's really virtually no compelling evidence that that, in fact, is the cause," he exclaimed in a video.

Dr. Nestle, the author of "Soda Politics," gave thumbs up to the decision of the university. "Both deserve congratulations for making a difficult but necessary decision," said Dr. Nestle. "Let's hope other groups also decide to do the right thing and end such financial relationships."

"Even though the university probably returned the money out of embarrassment, it's smart that they did it," said Dr. Jacobson. "I hope this sets an example for other recipients of Coke money."