Regulation of food advertising to children on television: is it necessary and does it work?
2012
Boyland, E. J. | Halford, J. C. G.
In light of the current obesity epidemic, the role of food advertising on television has been scrutinized in numerous studies, constituting a rich and growing body of literature to suggest that the exposure to food promotion is detrimental to children's diets. This paper reviews recent research to identify critical issues within the field relating to the prevalence and effects of food advertising on television, as well as the regulatory strategies (both statutory and self-regulatory approaches) adopted to try to tackle the problem. Although considerable evidence exists that children's food choices and intake are negatively affected by food advertising, research and knowledge gaps are still evident, and data relating to the impact of regulations are limited and equivocal. Weaknesses in the construction of regulations or with their implementation can restrict their effectiveness at reducing children's exposure to unhealthy food advertising. This review summarizes key findings from the literature, suggests evidence gaps to be bridged by future research, provides an overview of the main issues regarding regulation, details a number of current regulatory approaches and their weaknesses, and concludes with suggestions of the criteria that regulation would need to be meet to successfully reduce children's exposure to nutrient-poor food promotion on television.
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