Ads may feed obesity epidemic: New Zealand study

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Ads may feed obesity epidemic: New Zealand study

15/07/2005 - 07:25:32

Heavy promotion of calorie-laden junk foods in advertisements near

secondary schools may be contributing to New Zealand's growing obesity

epidemic, a new study shows.

Advertisements for unhealthy foods high in fat, salt or sugar made up

more than two-thirds of all outdoor food advertising in areas within

half-a mile of the schools, the preliminary study found.

Ads for chocolate bars, muesli bars, crisps, fries, doughnuts, pies,

sweets, soft drinks, fast food and iced sweets were the main

offenders. Nearly one in three New Zealand children are classified as

overweight or obese.