Turn It Off (© Photographer: Monika Wisniewska | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

Among medical professionals it is widely believed that television is a contributing factor to the obesity of adolescents. Sedentary viewing and snacking displace physical activity, making kids easy targets for advertisers selling unhealthy foods.

An article in the October 2007 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports the results of a study that found, “Food ads made up just over one quarter of TV ads viewed by adolescents with the most commonly viewed products of fast food, sweets, and beverage products well within the reach of their own purchasing power.”

The article’s authors, Lisa M. Powell, Glen Szczypka, and Frank J. Chaloupka, wrote, “Fast food was the most frequently viewed food product category comprising 23% of all food-related advertisements among adolescents.”

To view previous posts on this topic go to:
1. Food Giants Still Marketing Junk Food to Kids
2. Kellogg to Limit Selling Junk Food to Kids
3. Fast Food Chains Ready to Spend for Prime Time TV
4. Selling to Kids