VicHealth and the Obesity Policy Coalition have called for higher standards in fast food marketing after new research revealed how unhealthy ads manipulate teenagers.
Executive Manager of Programs at VicHealth, Kirstan Corben said research from the University of Michigan found teenagers were particularly susceptible to unhealthy food ads, which targeted the reward centres of the brain and lead to increased consumption.
“This research shows the impact unhealthy food and drink marketing is having on vulnerable kids and teenagers,” Ms Corben said.
“Fast food advertising is rampant and incessant, and this research shows how it leads to kids eating more unhealthy food,” she said.
“These companies spend millions on advertising, promotions and sponsorships and they do it because it leads to more kids and teenagers eating their unhealthy products.”
Ms Corben said the study had also found that fast food ads for healthier options still used branding and logos associated with predominantly unhealthy foods, which led to teens craving the unhealthy fries and burgers associated with the brand.
Executive Manager for the Obesity Policy Coalition, Jane Martin said the Coalition was calling for a restriction on unhealthy food and drink advertising during peak viewing times for kids on television and social media.
Ms Martin said the Coalition was also calling for restrictions to make sport and major community events free from unhealthy food and drink sponsorship as well as mandatory regulation to stop unhealthy advertising in government owned spaces like train and bus stations.
