Junk Food Ads Can Make Kids Eat More in Just 5 Minutes, Study Finds

A new study has found that watching junk food ads for just five minutes can cause children to eat more during the day. The study was presented at the European Congress on Obesity. It showed that even brand-only ads, such as logos and jingles, can lead kids to consume an extra 130 calories each day.

That’s the same as eating a small bag of chips or a few cookies. This increase in calories may seem small, but over time it can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

Branding alone affects eating habits

Researchers discovered that even ads not showing actual food can still influence children. Brand-only ads with colorful logos, familiar music, and catchy slogans were enough to make kids eat more. This shows how powerful brand messages can be for young viewers.

Children respond strongly to the emotional and visual cues in these ads. Advertisers use these tricks to make products more appealing, even when no food is shown.

What the study showed

The research looked at several smaller studies involving children aged 5 to 16. In the experiments, some children were shown junk food ads, while others watched non-food-related content.

The children who saw food ads or brand content ate about 130 more calories a day than those who didn’t. This might not sound like much, but over weeks and months it can lead to significant weight gain.

This daily increase is linked to a higher risk of obesity. The more ads children saw, the more they ate, often choosing unhealthy snacks.

Why this matters for public health

Childhood obesity is a growing problem around the world. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in five children is overweight or obese. These children are at greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues later in life.

Food marketing plays a big role in this trend. Companies spend billions every year on ads that are often aimed at children. These ads appear on TV, social media, mobile apps, and video platforms.

Even a few minutes of advertising can make a lasting impact on a child’s eating choices.

What families and governments can do

Experts suggest a few ways to reduce the effect of junk food ads. One way is to limit screen time, especially for younger children. Another is to use ad-free platforms when possible.

Parents can also help by teaching kids to recognize advertising tricks. This helps them make better food choices.

Governments can support these efforts through rules and laws. For example, some countries have banned junk food ads on children’s TV. The UK plans to ban such ads before 9 p.m., although this has faced delays.

Countries like Norway and Chile already have strong advertising rules in place. These measures have shown good results in reducing unhealthy food marketing.

Time to rethink food advertising

This study adds to the growing number of calls for change. Many health experts believe that stronger rules are needed to protect children from harmful advertising.

Marketing has a clear effect on how children behave. Even a short ad can lead to extra eating, without the child even realizing it. If left unregulated, this can harm children’s health over time.

A small ad, a big effect

The study shows how fast advertising can change a child’s eating habits. In just five minutes, a catchy tune or a brand logo can trigger a desire to eat more. This extra snacking might seem harmless, but it adds up quickly.