While ‘calories in, calories out’ appears to be a logical explanation for weight gain, the actual causes of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity are more complex. The toxicity of sugar plays a huge role, but Coca-Cola and Pepsico have gone to great lengths to hide that fact. Through organizations like the Global Energy Balance Network, Coca-Cola sought to improve soda’s image by shifting the blame away from consumption of sugar, and towards a lack of exercise.

For decades the soda companies have also protected their commercial interests by sponsoring health and fitness related organizations like the the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and others. All of these organizations have produced research showing sugar is benign, or at least has a place in a healthy diet, which has been disputed by independent researchers.

https://brokenscience.org/spotting-sodas-sticky-fingerprints/