The practice of industry funded science is not new and it's important to note that studies and clinical trials along with other scientific research is very costly in the field of medicine as well as nutrition. Often, this research is funded through grants from corporations that are directly associated with the area of research. 

The New York Times blasted wide open an argument that highly affects the health industry in an article this past weekend. The problem? Three words: industry funded research. Coca Cola is a leader in this. The report was sparked after a newly-formed nonprofit organization claimed to be working on developing solutions to prevent and reduce chronic disease associated with poor diet and obesity. The issue is this organization has received significant funding from Coca-Cola. Another key issue is that the group suggests poor diet and health habits aren't to blame for obesity and weight gain. 

Coca-Cola has a media image problem as do many other big corporations such as Johnson & Johnson. Prior to this article in The New York Times, an infographic detailing what happens to the body within an hour of drinking a can of Coca-Cola went viral online.\The infographic, based on research by a health writer, warns that the regular consumption of Coca-Cola and other caffeinated fizzy drinks can lead to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

At present, more than one third of adults in the US are obese, around 78.6 million people. Coca-Cola's response to the NTYT? They claimed the report is an innaccurate portrayal of the company regarding what was said about the research they invest in - to only convince people that diets don't matter, only exercise. 

The soda giant claimed they believe in a balanced diet and regular exercise as two key ingredients for a healthy lifestyle. 

Industry funding of research is commonplace and, unfortunately, studies have demonstrated that funding sources can influence the outcomes of clinical trials. But some of the problems stem from when study findings claim that something is a greater cause of a disease like obesity because it generalizes people which we know more and more that our bodies vary more than we think. 

The rise of obesity and sugary drinks in the U.S., these partnerships between corporations and clinical research organizations becomes a big problem. Consuming small amounts of sugary drinks from time to time will not necessarily harm an individual, but repeated messages suggesting that such drinks are fine and that exercise is more important could have a long-lasting effect on public health.