Just 5 Minutes Of Junk Food Ads Can Coax Children To Consume Extra 130 Calories Per Day, Says Study

Can junk food ads displayed on TV, YouTube and other platforms coax children to eat more? This was the theme of a study conducted by the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Malaga, Spain. What the study uncovered was something shocking. It proved a direct relation between junk food advertising and children’s eating habits.

Junk Food Ads Can Severely Impact Children’s Eating Habits

A report by The Times of India throws more light on this study charting the eating habits of children. Researchers at the ECO in Spain discovered that exposure to junk food ads, especially the kind of food high in salt (HFSS), sugar and fats, can have a detrimental impact on children’s eating habits. They were more susceptible to eating significantly higher calories throughout the day after they watched even 5 minutes of such junk foods.

A team from the University of Liverpool conducted a trial involving 240 children. They were aged between 7 and 15 years across schools from in Merseyside the UK. The children were shown just 5 minutes of food advertisements revolving around HFSS food. In a separate session, they were shown non-food advertisements. Later, their snack and lunch intake were measured. This revealed that the children ate an extra 130 calories after viewing junk food ads. This is equivalent to two slices of bread.

Also Read: Junk Food Banned From Abu Dhabi Schools; Strict Rules For Healthy Eating Implemented In Canteens

Study Shows Marketing Makes Children More

Professor Emma Boyland, the lead author of the study, presented her findings. She revealed that the study presents the impact of unhealthy food marketing through different facets of media on young people’s eating behaviour. Even brief of short exposure to such marketing can drive excess calorie consumption. Even potential weight gain amongst young children. After all young children are highly influenced by such advertising.

Also Read: From Hot Dog To Coke, Here’s How These Junk Foods Affect Your Lifespan!

This study comes at a time when many nations across Europe are implementing strict restrictions on unhealthy food advertising. This is their way of tackling rising obesity levels. Even brand-only food ads featuring elements like logos without showcasing the actual food products can increase a child’s calorie intake.

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