In a World Health Organization report on the extent, nature and effects of food marketing, it was revealed, perhaps to no big surprise, that food advertising is prevalent where children gather and on television programs aimed at them; predominantly promotes fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages and candy; and uses a wide range of creative strategies aimed at younger audiences (celebrity/sports endorsements, promotional characters, games).
Furthermore, exposure to food ads is positively associated with habitual consumption of marketed foods or less-healthy foods.
So, yes, food advertising remains pervasive, persuasive and decidedly bad for our health.
See also: Kids Bombarded With Junk Food Ads
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD, is a James Beard Award–winning food journalist, dietitian and author of the cookbook Rocket Fuel: Power-Packed Food for Sport + Adventure (VeloPress 2016). He has written for dozens of magazines, including Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Shape, Men’s Fitness and Muscle and Fitness.
