Coca-Cola Funded Anti-Obesity Nonprofit Shuts Down After Allegations of Coke's Involvement

The Global Energy Balance Network (GEBN), a nonprofit organization funded by the Coca-Cola Co., said on its website late Monday that it will discontinue its operations. The announcement comes four months after it was revealed that the Atlanta, Georgia-based beverage maker was involved in the activities of the group.

GEBN, which was formed with an aim to fight obesity, said earlier that it had received an "unrestricted gift" from Coca-Cola, but added that the company did not have any input into its activities. However, a report last week by the Associated Press (AP) said that Coca-Cola had helped the nonprofit select its leaders, suggested content for its website and edited its mission statement. Further, emails obtained by the AP last month, dating back to 2012, showed that Coca-Cola was significantly involved in molding the nonprofit group.