Childhood obesity - are food advertisers really to blame?

Marie Laver

Given that the UK has a million obese children, Marie Laver, a partner at HPI, examines the case for a ban on food and drink advertising, and reviews the results of a recent European study for Kellogg's into the key drivers of childhood obesity and the extent to which advertising has any effect on children's food consumption.

Childhood obesity – are food advertisers really to blame?

Marie Laver

Food and Advertising industry representatives have long been criticised by the UK government and health organisations for marketing to young children, saying it contributes to poor nutrition and childhood obesity. Recent reports suggest that Tony Blair is now prepared to take tougher action on this issue via a 'new and more robust approach'. During a broad lecture on public health the Prime Minister warned that he was now prepared to ban the advertising of 'junk' food (foods high in fat, salt or sugar) targeted at children in a bid...

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