| Publications [#271372] of Kelly D. Brownell
search PubMed.Journal Articles
- Bragg, MA; Liu, PJ; Roberto, CA; Sarda, V; Harris, JL; Brownell, KD (2013). The use of sports references in marketing of food and beverage products in supermarkets.. Public health nutrition, 16(4), 738-742. [doi]
(last updated on 2024/03/28)
Abstract:
ObjectiveFood marketing has been identified as a significant driver of the childhood obesity epidemic. The purpose of the present study was to (i) conduct a content analysis of the types of sports references that appear on supermarket food and beverage products and (ii) assess each product's nutritional and marketing profile.DesignThis was a descriptive study. Every product featuring sports references on the packaging was purchased in two major supermarkets during 2010. A content analysis was conducted and nutritional evaluations were made based on the Nutrient Profile Model, a validated nutrition model. Marketing data were obtained from The Nielsen Company.SettingTwo major supermarkets in Connecticut, USA.SubjectsFood and beverage products (n 102) were selected from two supermarkets.ResultsThe 102 products (fifty-three foods and forty-nine beverages) had sports references as part of their packaging: 72·5 % featured a character exercising, 42·2 % were endorsed by a professional sports entity and 34·0 % were child-targeted. The median nutrition score for food products was 36 (1 = unhealthiest and 100 = healthiest; scores of ≥63 are considered healthy according to this model). More than two-thirds of beverages (69·4 %) were 100 % sugar-sweetened. Children saw significantly more commercials for these products than adults.ConclusionsCompanies place sports figures on food and beverage products that are child-targeted and unhealthy.
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