Latest news with #unhealthyfood
ABC News
23-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Junk food ads are flooding your teenager's social media feeds and it's influencing what they choose to eat
Social media's harmful impact on the mental health of children and teenagers is well documented. Now, new research suggests that the widespread marketing of unhealthy food and drinks on social media is influencing the food choices of young people and potentially impacting their physical health. A University of Oxford team found "strong and consistent evidence" that digital marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks is widespread on social media, and that it influences children and teenagers. And a recent study led by the University of Queensland found that problematic and excessive social media use is linked to young teens' increased consumption of sweets and sugar, as well as the tendency to skip breakfast. So, what is going on with social media and children's diet? And what are the links? Australian GP Isabel Hanson, from the research team behind the Oxford study, says that when young people see junk food being marketed on platforms like Instagram, YouTube or TikTok, it affects what they want to eat. "My co-authors and I reviewed studies from around the world and saw a clear pattern: kids and teens are regularly exposed to marketing for foods high in sugar, salt and fat, often without realising it," she says. One of those studies found Australian children aged 13 to 17 are exposed to 17 food ads each hour, with an average of almost 170 per week. "This exposure shapes their preferences, increases their desire for those foods, and can lead to higher consumption." It's something she sees play out in her work as a GP. "Young people who grow up in environments filled with lots of screen time, social media, and exposure to advertising often have poorer diets and can struggle with their weight," she says. "Of course, there are lots of factors at play, but [social media] is one we can do something about." Asad Khan led the University of Queensland study that reviewed the data of 223,000 adolescents aged 13 to 14 from 41 countries. The study found the mindless use of social media often leads to mindless eating — and sometimes mindlessly not eating. Teens skipping breakfast is particularly problematic, according to Professor Khan, although he concedes the study only examined the amount of time teens spent on social media and not the type of content they consumed, making the link between the two difficult to plot. "What we found is that the mindless [and excessive] use of social media, is more problematic. And that kind of mindless use is leading towards the over consumption of sweet, sugary drinks and skipping breakfast," he tells ABC Radio National's Life Matters. So why do these ads for junk food on social media impact the diet of children and teens as much as they do? Dr Hanson says these ads are designed to be appealing, and young people are generally more susceptible to this type of marketing. "They are colourful, fun, often linked to trends or popular people, and that has a real effect on young people's choices." "Young people are smart and savvy in many ways. They can spot trends quickly, navigate digital spaces with ease, and often know more about online platforms than adults do. "But the brain continues to develop until we are in our mid-twenties, particularly the areas responsible for impulse control, decision-making and assessing risk. "That means children and teenagers can be more influenced by social approval and less likely to pause and reflect on where a message is coming from, especially when it's wrapped up in entertaining or peer-driven content." Social media advertising often doesn't look like traditional advertising, which makes it harder to spot and easier to absorb. And the social media algorithm, peers and influencers also play a huge part in how young people interact with food ads. "Social media platforms are built to keep users engaged. Once a young person interacts with food content, they're likely to see more of it," Dr Hanson says. "At the same time, young people are heavily influenced by what their peers are watching, liking or sharing, so if a snack or drink is popular in their online circles, it can spread quickly." As for the influencers spruiking junk food, they are seen as relatable and trustworthy by young people. "When influencers promote a food or drink, even subtly, it carries a lot of weight. "Our review showed that this kind of marketing is especially effective because it doesn't feel like marketing. That makes it harder to recognise, and harder to resist." An adolescent's relationship with food can be a complicated one. A major global study led by Australian researchers estimate that 50 per cent of children and young people (aged 5-24 years) in Australia will be overweight or obese by 2050. Rates of obesity among children and young people have tripled over the past three decades, the study found. Add the impacts of social media, courtesy of junk food ads, influencers and time-consuming scrolling, and things can become even murkier. Miriam Raleigh is a paediatric dietitian and the founder of Child Nutrition, a group of dietitians specialising in children's food services. Having a variety of foods from all core food groups is essential for a child's body and brain, she says. "We know that a diet rich in wholefoods — not those found in packets — is important for good mental health. Foods are more than vitamins and minerals, they also contain phytochemicals and antioxidants which feed our body, mind and gut. "Having a broad range of foods allows our gut microbiome to contain a diverse range of different beneficial bacteria that is thought to have a direct link to mental health." "Sugary foods and highly processed foods contain little nutritional value for children and teens' growing bodies," Raleigh says. Dr Hanson would like to see more government regulation around junk food marketing on social media rather than the voluntary industry codes that "don't hold up in the digital space" that are currently in place. Policies that help reduce children's exposure to digital junk food marketing are needed and social media companies need to do more to protect young users, she argues. "Education and social media literacy might help a bit, but let's be honest — it's the same for adults. When you are constantly flooded with advertising for unhealthy food, it makes you want it," she says. "These are highly skilled marketers using proven techniques to influence behaviour. Expecting young people to resist that, day after day, isn't realistic." When asked about the federal government's response to the issue, a spokesperson from the health department said the government has provided more than $500,000 for the University of Wollongong to deliver a feasibility study to examine the current landscape of unhealthy food marketing to children. The feasibility study will provide a better understanding of the options available for consideration by all governments and is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2025.
Bloomberg
22-05-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
RFK Jr. Report Blames Diet, Overmedication for Chronic Diseases
The Trump administration issued a report blaming the rise in chronic diseases in the US on unhealthy food ingredients, chemicals, overreliance on medication and corporate spending. But it stopped short of attacking growers and manufacturers as much as they feared. The 69-page report was compiled by the 'Make America Healthy Again Commission.' The group was created through an executive order issued in February and is led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former environmental lawyer and longtime vaccine critic.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: Sweet tax — has it helped?
Muscat: Governments worldwide have been increasingly exploring fiscal measures, such as excise taxes, to address public health concerns related to the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages high in sugar, salt, or fat. The rationale behind these taxes is that increasing the price of these products will discourage consumption, potentially leading to improved dietary habits and health outcomes. Oman has implemented such taxes as part of its public health strategy. Oman introduced excise taxes on specific goods, including certain unhealthy items, as part of its commitment to public health and diversifying government revenue. An initial phase of excise tax implementation began in June 2019, primarily targeting tobacco products, energy drinks and carbonated drinks. A subsequent expansion in July 2020 broadened the scope to include other sweetened drinks and specific food items deemed unhealthy, such as chips, certain types of chocolate and biscuits. The tax rates applied vary, with a common rate of 50 per cent on sweetened drinks and 100 per cent on products like tobacco and energy drinks. The primary intended effect of imposing excise taxes on junk food and soft drinks is to reduce their consumption. By increasing the retail price, these products become less affordable for consumers. 'Economic theory suggests that demand for goods typically decreases as prices rise, especially if consumers can substitute them with cheaper alternatives. In the context of unhealthy foods and drinks, the hope is that consumers will either reduce their overall intake of these items or switch to untaxed, healthier options like water, unsweetened beverages, fruits, or vegetables,' said an economic researcher. He said that beyond reducing consumption, these taxes are intended to generate revenue for the government. 'This revenue can potentially be earmarked for public health initiatives, such as health education campaigns promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles, or for subsidising healthier food options, further supporting the public health goals,' he said. Evidence from various countries that have implemented similar taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthy foods generally indicates a reduction in the sales and consumption of the taxed products. The magnitude of this reduction can vary depending on factors such as the tax rate, how the tax is passed on to consumers, the availability of untaxed substitutes and the price sensitivity of the population. While the immediate impact on purchasing decisions is primarily financial, the tax policy itself can contribute to raising public awareness about healthy versus unhealthy choices. However, the impact is not always straightforward. Regarding the impact on health consciousness, while the tax primarily works through price mechanisms, it can contribute indirectly. The public discourse surrounding the introduction of such taxes often highlights the health reasons behind them, which can increase awareness. Moreover, if the tax revenue is used to fund health promotion programmes, this can directly contribute to educating the public and fostering greater health consciousness. 'Consumers might switch to untaxed, but still unhealthy, alternatives. The effect on overall calorie intake or nutritional quality of diets can therefore be complex and requires careful evaluation. I know many people who still take unhealthy taxed drinks just like before. Here I mean 100 per cent on products like tobacco and energy drinks,' Abdullah al Khaldi, a parent said. So far, there is no specific data on the long-term impact of Oman's excise tax on consumption patterns and health outcomes. However, based on international experience, it is reasonable to expect that the tax has led to some reduction in the consumption of the taxed items in Oman. But for some, such taxes have made a difference. 'I used to drink one energy drink daily but ever since the prices went up, I have tried to reduce. Now I just buy them whenever I come across them, maybe once a week only. So, I would say tax increase has impacted my intake, Therefore, these taxes serve as a tool within a broader public health strategy aimed at improving dietary habits and promoting health awareness in Oman,' said Sufian Jamal, a private sector employee. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Unhealthiest high street sandwiches revealed – and the healthy swaps to help you shed pounds
BRITAIN'S most unhealthy high street sandwiches have now been revealed. Brits will be shocked to know that most of their favourite lunchtime meal deals have more saturated fat and sugar than fast food and desserts. 7 Most of them also have more calories than McDonald's cheeseburgers and a bar of DairyMilk chocolate. Leading the list of unhealthy sandwiches, Pret's Posh Cheddar & Pickle Baguette sandwich contains a whopping 643 calories. That is more calories than two McDonald's cheeseburgers combined, which come at 295 calories each. Even a Big Mac has almost 150 fewer calories than Pret's flagship lunchtime meal. Meanewhile, Waitrose 's No1 The Perfect Ploughman's Cornish Cheddar Sandwich comes 13.1g of saturated fat - making it one of the unhealthiest items on the list. This is again more than two McDonald's Cheeseburgers combined, which come with just 5.4g of fat each, according to a DailyMail analysis. Next comes M&S's Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese Ploughman's sandwich with 11.3g of saturated fat. To give some context, a Big Mac burger has just 8.8g of fat. Both these sandwiches contain more than half of the NHS 's daily saturated fat limit for women, which is 20g. When it came to unhealthy sugar content, Sainsbury's Brie Bacon & Chilli Chutney Sandwich topped the charts with 19.7g sugar. SARNIE WARS I spent £80 on every Tesco meal deal sandwich to find my favourite... there were 2 winners but it's divided opinion To put that into perspective, one would need to have two KitKat chocolate bars with 10.3g of sugar in each to beat the Sainsbury's sandwich. M&S's All Day Breakfast Sandwich - a popular choice of meal on the go - has almost 10.1g of sugar. That's slightly less than a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnut that comes with 12g of sugar. NHS recommends that adults only consume a maximum of 30g of sugar each day to lead a healthy life. Most of the sandwiches sold on Britain's high streets are also far saltier than fast food. For instance, Pret's Ham & Grevé Baguette contained 3.85g of salt, making it saltier than four large portions of McDonald's fries (0.82g of salt each). And surprisingly, even M&S's Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese Ploughman contained 1.78g - slightly more than two large McDonald's fries. Adults are advised to consume less than 6g of salt per day, according to the NHS. But as most of the supermarket sandwiches are unhealthy options for lunch, Brits can choose to swap them for healthier meals. For example, a Cheese Ploughman's sandwich from Boots comes at just 429 calories, making it the healthiest option so far. And if you feel fancy, you can also try Itsu's King Prawn Rice Box salad, which comes at just 407 calories. It's a filling option thanks to wholegrain brown rice, veggies, prawns and seeds. Meanwhile, a Tuna Melt Panini from Starbucks packs in an impressive 28g of protein and has just 443 calories. But if you are really conscious about your health and want to keep things below 400 calories, then Greggs' Pesto and Mozzarella Pasta can be your saviour. This tasty option from Greggs is just 375 calories, even though its packed with cheese.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Aussie parent exposes huge problem with 'ham sandwich ban' - as health expert exposes why it is unhealthy
South Australia is moving ahead with a new ban on advertisements for unhealthy food and drinks, with items ranging from confectionery to the humble ham sandwich facing restrictions. The ban, which comes into effect on July 1, will prohibit ads for unhealthy food and beverage products on Adelaide 's public transport network - including buses, trains, and trams. Banned items include processed meats such as ham and salami, burgers, pizza, lollies, chocolate, soft drinks, and other confectionery. Under current classification rules, even fortified soy milk is considered a sugar-sweetened beverage and will be banned, while jam is allowed, and rice cakes are not. The move is designed to limit children's exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising. But mother-of-two Angelina told Daily Mail Australia that the ban was stupid, when fast food companies could still target kids on TV and YouTube. 'If I make my kids a sandwich with ham, it usually includes cheese, lettuce and cucumber as well,' Angelina said. 'My kids have never looked at an ad that pictures ham and begged me to buy it for them. 'They end up begging me to buy fast food after they see ads from places like McDonald's, KFC and Hungry Jacks. That's the real problem.' The Australian Association of National Advertisers says the ban is unjustified. 'As it stands, this policy bans all processed meats, which means a simple ham salad sandwich can't be advertised,' AANA CEO Josh Faulks said. 'This simply doesn't make sense, and the government should be making evidence-based decisions, not blanket bans that don't align with nutritional science.' It also warns that charities and businesses could be negatively impacted by the ban. 'The policy bans all advertising showing those banned food or drink items,' Mr Faulks said. 'For example, an ad celebrating the anniversary of a children's charity which depicts a child with a birthday cake would be banned. Health Minister Chris Picton hit out at AANA's stance, claiming the body was 'scaremongering'. 'These lobbyists want to force the State Government to keep having junk food ads on our own buses amidst an obesity crisis,' Mr Picton told Newswire. 'The policy applies to government-owned Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams. 'It is not up to advertising industry lobbyists to tell us what can be displayed on our public transport assets.' When the policy was announced, Mr Picton said children were bombarded with unhealthy food and drink ads, which have long been recognised as having a negative impact on their diets. 'Each year, big brands spend millions of dollars on catchy slogans and appealing ads to encourage South Australian children to consume more highly processed foods containing high fat, high salt and high sugar,' Mr Picton said. 'Banning these ads in some of the key places they are seen regularly, especially by children, is a sensible step towards a healthier South Australia. 'Food habits and relationships established early in life have a lasting impact on food habits and health outcomes of adults. The ban has also been backed by a number of organisations including Preventative Health SA and the Cancer Council. Government figures revealed 35.2 per cent of children and 63.1 per cent of adults in South Australia were overweight or obese. Modelling also indicated that if no action was taken the number of South Australians that were overweight or living with obesity was expected to grow by an additional 1,900 children and 48,000 adults in the next five years. Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing at The University of Queensland, previously warned parents about the health risks of too much ham 'Ham itself is not inherently considered junk food. It's a source of protein and many other nutrients. 'However, certain types of ham products – especially highly processed or cured hams – are less healthy options for several reasons. 'Many commercially available hams, especially highly processed and cured varieties, can be high in sodium, which is salt. 'Excessive sodium intake is associated with health issues such as high blood pressure and can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes. 'On average, Australian children consume more sodium than the recommended upper limit: 600 mg a day for children aged four to eight and 800 mg a day for those aged nine to 13. 'The World Health Organisation says reducing sodium is one of the most cost-effective ways nations can improve the health of their populations. Some processed hams may contain additives, preservatives and flavour-enhancers we should limit, she warned. 'The methods to process and cure ham may involve smoking, which can produce compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In large quantities, these may cause health concerns, including increasing the risk of bowel cancer.' She advised Aussies that when choosing ham to read the labels and select products with a lower sodium content, minimal additives and healthier preparation methods. In 2019 the Cancer Council sparked controversy after telling parents to to avoid adding muesli bars, ham sandwiches and savoury biscuits to their children's school lunch boxes. Muffins, biscuits, crackers with cheese spread and fruit boxes were all dubbed snacks families should avoid buying at the supermarket, in a list of 'unhealthy snacks' shared by the Cancer Council. Instead of a muesli bar, the organisation suggested parents whip up a homemade version, or some zucchini, broccoli and cheese hashbrown cups - which are shredded hashbrowns baked into the shape of a cup and filled with various toppings. Alternative options for a slice of cake included fruit loaf and pumpkin and sweet potato scones. For fruit juice, milk or water was suggested instead, and for a bag of biscuits, parents were encouraged to consider giving their kids pita bread and roast vegetable dip, or vegetable muffins. \
