{"id":43070,"date":"2021-04-27T15:10:49","date_gmt":"2021-04-27T15:10:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/?p=43070"},"modified":"2025-12-14T04:30:25","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T04:30:25","slug":"understanding-the-impact-of-food-advertising-on-childhood-obesity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/understanding-the-impact-of-food-advertising-on-childhood-obesity\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Impact of Food Advertising on Childhood Obesity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>As of 2019, over 50 million children under the age of 5 were overweight (UNICEF, 2019). This number continues to rise in both high and low-income countries, as the economic impact of global obesity exceeds US$2 trillion &#8211; roughly 2.8% of the world\u2019s gross domestic product (GDP) (UNICEF, 2019). Though there are numerous drivers and enablers of global childhood obesity, the worldwide increase in children\u2019s \u2018screen time\u2019 has been accompanied by greater exposure to manipulative emotion-based food and drink marketing. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent research has indicated that there is a clear link between the food and drink advertisements that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\">children<\/a> are exposed to and their food choices, cravings and eating patterns (Obesity Health Alliance, 2017). Increases in childhood obesity are thus a natural response to the persuasive and sophisticated techniques utilised by corporations on multiple platforms; such as television (TV), mobile phones and tablets (Smith, 2019).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern food and drink marketing campaigns have seeped into traditionally safe spaces, such as schools, retail outlets and households themselves (UNICEF, 2019). In response, corporations in countries such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/united-states-of-america\/\">United States of America<\/a> (USA) have pledged to self-regulate their marketing to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\">children<\/a>, but this appears to warrant further attention (American Psychological Association, 2010). In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/united-states-of-america\/\">USA<\/a>, nearly 75% of foods advertised to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\">children<\/a> are classified as unhealthy, while 50% of the allocated time for children\u2019s TV shows is occupied by food advertisements &#8211; none of which advertise fruits or vegetables (American Psychological Association, 2010). A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childrens-rights\/\">child rights-based approach<\/a> must be adopted to safeguard children\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/food\/\">right to healthy food<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/food\/\">adequate nutrition<\/a> (UNICEF, 2019).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Childhood Obesity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Childhood obesity is officially diagnosed once a child exceeds the scientifically-determined \u201cnormal\u201d weight for a child of their age and build (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Driven by both genetic or external factors, obesity can cause a myriad of health complications including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, breathing difficulties, musculoskeletal challenges and liver disease, among others (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-1024x626.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-1024x626.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-768x469.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-1536x939.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-2048x1252.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-830x507.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-230x141.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-350x214.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_425756197-480x293.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled childhood obesity as \u201cone of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century\u201d, as the crisis continues to expand to many low and middle-income countries, especially their urban settings (WHO, 2020). Global trends towards more sedentary behaviour in children, combined with the increased accessibility of affordable unhealthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/food\/\">food<\/a> are pushing many children towards unhealthy lifestyles at a dangerously young age (WHO, 2020).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Food Advertising?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Food advertising or marketing involves the \u2018use of persuasive techniques and strategies to shape and influence children\u2019s food attitude, preference and consumption\u2019 (Smith, 2019). As illustrated, children are commonly exposed to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/food\/\">food<\/a> advertising campaigns via technological devices and media, often in a way that is largely unavoidable. To combat this, nations around the world are beginning to theorise new policies to better protect children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/united-kingdom\/\">United Kingdom<\/a> (UK), for example, health secretary Matt Hancock recently unveiled plans to ban online junk food advertising in an attempt to \u201chelp parents, children and families in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/united-kingdom\/\">UK<\/a> make healthier choices about what they eat\u201d (Sweeney, 2020). Bans such as this, say the Department of Health and Social Care, will help prevent children\u2019s long-term <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/food\/\">food<\/a> preferences and eating habits from being corrupted by manipulative marketing campaigns (Department of Health and Social Care, 2020).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food advertising aims to shape and define children\u2019s food environments. Food environments are areas and sectors in which children and their families engage with food (UNICEF, 2019). Vast and drastic changes in these environments, such as the greater prevalence of unhealthy foods, drives the global growth in obesity levels (UNICEF, 2019).&nbsp;Within these environments, children are especially vulnerable due to their consistent exposure to tactful marketing strategies designed to persuade them (UNICEF, 2019). Children are often unable to see through these manipulative schemes, making them prime targets for exploitation at the hands of commercial enterprises who use emotional brand associations to encourage children to crave unhealthy food (UNICEF, 2019). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These companies take advantage of children\u2019s \u2018pester power\u2019, referring to the amount of pressure children are able to put on their parents to drive unhealthy food purchases (UNICEF, 2019). In addition to the existing challenges faced by all children, food advertising companies have also been shop to disproportionately target disadvantaged children from particular ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups, widening inequities in health and infringing upong the right to non-discrimination (UNICEF, 2019).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Impact of Food Advertising on Child Development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children at the early stages of their development are in the \u2018pre-cognition\u2019 phase of their cognitive defence, this means that they are unlikely to question the integrity and intention of advertising campaigns (Smith, 2019). This fact also points to one of the detrimental impacts of food marketing on children which is the infringement of their right to appropriate information under Article 17 of the&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/convention\/text\/\">Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/a> (CRC) (Smith, 2019). This can severely hamper children\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childrens-mental-wellbeing\/\">mental development<\/a> and shape their preferences long into adulthood, especially as children are able to recognise and crave brands at just 18 months old (Obesity Health Alliance, 2017).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43076\" width=\"481\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-230x153.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_609282647-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 481px) 100vw, 481px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childrens-mental-wellbeing\/\">mental health impacts<\/a> of food advertising, the practice also enhances the risk that children develop obesity. Beyond the direct physical health risks that this brings, overweight children are also more likely to suffer from behavioural and emotional difficulties, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childrens-mental-wellbeing\/\">low self-esteem<\/a>, depression and poor social skills (UNICEF, 2019). The food industry will often blame parents for their irresponsibility in failing to control and regulate their children\u2019s diet and exposure to advertising (Harris, 2009). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though parents do hold culpability for their children\u2019s habits, particularly in shaping their lifestyle and access to healthy food, the boom of digital media and technologies makes it difficult for even the most diligent parents to protect their children from being exposed to harmful food advertising. With marketing companies repeatedly labelling unhealthy food as \u2018fun\u2019, \u2018cool\u2019 and \u2018great-tasting\u2019, parents face an uphill battle to convince their children otherwise (Harris, 2009).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global Approaches to Restrict Food Advertising<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As countries around the world search for new methodologies to combat food advertising, research from Europe suggest that countries would benefit from the adoption of stricter advertising regulations. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/spain\/\">Spain<\/a> &#8211; a country in which \u201c81% of children drink sugar-sweetened beverages and soft drinks weekly\u201d &#8211; an advertising regulatory framework has been established to monitor junk food advertising for children under the age of 12 (Southey, 2020).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Law-makers in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/united-kingdom\/\">UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/ireland\/\">Ireland<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/sweden\/\">Sweden<\/a> have similarly enacted legislation to restrict the promotion of products high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) (Southey, 2020). In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/united-kingdom\/\">UK<\/a>, HFFS cannot be promoted on media channels with an audience of more than 25% under 16, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/ireland\/\">Ireland<\/a> adopts a similar provision for channels where over half the audience are under 18 (Southey, 2020). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/sweden\/\">Sweden<\/a> has adopted a harsher stance altogether, banning HFFS promotions entirely during programmes targeted at children under 12 years old, an approach that was also adopted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/slovenia\/\">Slovenian<\/a> legislation in 2017 (Southey, 2020).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Rights-Based Approach to Improving Children\u2019s Food Environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond Europe, in 2020 the WHO-UNICEF-Lancet Commission advocated for the drafting and implementation of a globally binding optional protocol to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/convention\/text\/\">CRC<\/a>, to combat \u2018predatory commercial practices\u2019 by preventing brands from marketing fast foods and unhealthy drinks to children (Southey, 2020). The protocol would simultaneously regulate specific marketing methods and seek to prevent the exploitation of children\u2019s data by commercial entities (Southey, 2020). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A policy of this kind would help harmonise discrepancies in international approaches towards <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\">children\u2019s right<\/a>s to appropriate information and adequate nutrition. This framework would also support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 17 which works to promote health, among other factors, as well as combat the wider commercialisation of children who are increasingly exposed to harmful practices (Southey, 2020). A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\">rights-based approach<\/a> to food advertising would recognise the nuances of the practice &#8211; targeting vulnerable populations &#8211; and address one of the overlooked root causes of childhood obesity (UNICEF, 2019).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cApplying a human-rights-based approach to the child\u2019s right to food and nutrition in a holistic manner requires good governance and political will at national and international levels. Once this political will is garnered, improving participation, accountability, monitoring and transparency are the first steps to implementing human rights principles effectively.\u201d<\/p><cite>Hilal Elver, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Policy Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children not only have health needs, but rights too (UNICEF, 2019). Food advertising must be conceptualised as a human rights issue, rather than merely a public health concern (Professor Garde, 2020). An approach of this kind shifts the focus away from unethical practices and towards the experiences of the child (Professor Garde, 2020). The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/convention\/text\/\">CRC<\/a> provides a list of recommended actions to support the healthy development of children using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\">child rights-based approach<\/a> (UNICEF, 2019). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The WHO has also developed a list of 12 recommendations to support countries in their design of policies and initiatives to protect children against exploitative food advertising (WHO, 2010). Below national-level policies, communities can also work to elevate public awareness of the food advertising issue, enhance communication between parents and children on the harmful effects of advertising, and reduce children\u2019s exposure to dangerous marketing schemes (Harris, 2009). From top-down approaches led by governments, to bottom-up approaches led by parents, there is an urgent need to address the world\u2019s food advertising problem, for the protection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\">children\u2019s rights<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-830x553.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-230x153.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_77073568-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Humanium supports projects for children on a global scale. Our projects aim to put an end to the violations of children\u2019s rights. They are designed and implemented in cooperation with local partners. Humanium projects in Rwanda and India, amongst other countries, have placed the right to food, healthy food and clean water at its forefront by running various workshops with local partners to support children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Humanium, we seek to raise awareness on the importance of children\u2019s rights to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/food\/\">food<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/right-to-education\/\">education<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/protection\/\">protection<\/a>. Join us in making children\u2019s rights to a safe environment and accessible education a reality by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-sponsorship\/\">sponsoring a child<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/donation\/\">making a donation <\/a>or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/participate\/volunteer\/\">becoming a volunteer<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Written by Vanessa Cezarita Cordeiro<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For More Information:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stateofchildhoodobesity.org\/policy\/food-marketing-to-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">State of Childhood Obesity.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.london.gov.uk\/what-we-do\/health\/londons-child-obesity-taskforce\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">London\u2019s Child Obesity Taskforce.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/kids-media\/food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Psychological Association. (2010). <em>The impact of food advertising on childhood obesity<\/em><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/kids-media\/food\">.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/britishlivertrust.org.uk\/childrens-obesity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">British Liver Trust. (2018, January 11). \u201cCall to action on the impact of junk food marketing on children\u2019s obesity.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 19). \u201cChildhood obesity causes and consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-public-consultation-on-total-ban-of-online-advertising-for-unhealthy-foods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Department of Health and Social Care. Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport. (2020, November 10). \u201cNew public consultation on total ban of online advertising for unhealthy foods.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2829711\/pdf\/nihms121806.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Harris, J.L. Bargh, J.A. (2009, October). \u201cThe relationship between television viewing and unhealthy eating: implications for children and media interventions.\u201d <em>Health Communication<\/em><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2829711\/pdf\/nihms121806.pdf\">. 24(7), 660-673.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/doi\/story\/10.1016\/audio.2020.02.19.108256\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Horton, R. Dalglish, S. Gatera, G. \u201cA future for the world\u2019s children? A WHO-UNICEF-Lancet Commission.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/2016\/11\/21\/health\/food-ads-kids-preschool\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Howard, J. (2016, November 22). \u201cThe \u2018surprising way food ads sway preschoolers\u2019 snacking habits.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"http:\/\/obesityhealthalliance.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/A-Watershed-Moment-report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Obesity Health Alliance. (2017). \u201cA \u2018watershed\u2019 moment why it\u2019s prime time to protect children from junk food adverts.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bmjopen.bmj.com\/content\/bmjopen\/2\/6\/e001538.full.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Osei-Assibey, G. Dick, S. Macdiarmid, J. Semple, S. Reilly, J. Ellaway, A. Cowie, H. McNeill, G. (2012, November 12). \u2018The influence of the food environment on overweight and obesity in young children: a systematic review.\u201d <em>British Medical Journal<\/em><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/bmjopen.bmj.com\/content\/bmjopen\/2\/6\/e001538.full.pdf\">. 2(6).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.openaccessgovernment.org\/unhealthy-food-marketing\/82498\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Professor Garde, A. (2020, February 14). \u201cProtecting children from harmful food marketing.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6520952\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smith, R. Kelly, B. Yeatman, H. Boyland, E. (2019, April 18). \u201cFood marketing influences children\u2019s attitudes, preferences and consumptions: a systematic critical review.\u201d <em>Nutrients<\/em><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6520952\/\">. 11(4), 875.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/Article\/2020\/02\/21\/Junk-food-advertising-WHO-calls-for-legally-binding-treaty-to-end-predatory-commercial-practices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Southey, F. (2020, February 21). \u201cJunk food advertising: WHO calls for legally binding treaty to end \u2018predatory commercial practices\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/Article\/2020\/06\/09\/Childhood-obesity-Research-backs-case-for-stricter-advertising-regulations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Southey, F. (2020, June 9). \u201cChildhood obesity: research backs case for stricter advertising regulations.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/media\/2020\/nov\/10\/uk-to-ban-all-online-junk-food-advertising-to-tackle-obesity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweney, M. (2020, November 10). \u201cUK to ban all online junk food advertising to tackle obesity.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">UNICEF. (2019). \u201cProtecting Children\u2019s Right to a Healthy Food Environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">World Health Organization. (2010). \u201cReducing the impact of marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages on children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.who.int\/iris\/bitstream\/handle\/10665\/44416\/9789241500210_eng.pdf;jsessionid=B7AE7D661AB27577F25F7BDCB52FE4A4?sequence=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">World Health Organization. (2010). \u201cSet of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children.\u201d&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/q-a-detail\/noncommunicable-diseases-childhood-overweight-and-obesity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">World Health Organization. (2020, October 19). \u201cNoncommunicable diseases: childhood overweight and obesity.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As of 2019, over 50 million children under the age of 5 were overweight (UNICEF, 2019). This number continues to rise in both high and low-income countries, as the economic impact of global obesity exceeds US$2 trillion &#8211; roughly 2.8% of the world\u2019s gross domestic product (GDP) (UNICEF, 2019). Though there are numerous drivers and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":43073,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[152,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-childrens-rights","category-health"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Understanding the Impact of Food Advertising on Childhood Obesity - Humanium<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As of 2019, over 50 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. 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