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Marzban A. The Impact of Advertising and Media on Adolescents' Food Choices. JNFS 2025; 10 (4) :486-488
URL: http://jnfs.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1323-en.html
URL: http://jnfs.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1323-en.html
Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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The Impact of Advertising and Media on Adolescents' Food Choices
Ameneh Marzban; PhD*1
1 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ameneh Marzban; PhD*1
1 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| ARTICLE INFO | ||
| EDITORIAL ARTICLE | *Corresponding author amenemarzban@yahoo.com Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Postal code: 1449614535 Tel: +98 9172458896 |
|
| Article history: Received: 22 Apr 2025 Revised: 22 Jun 2025 Accepted: 25 Jul 2025 |
Dear Editor
In today’s digital age, adolescents are increasingly exposed to a variety of advertising messages that influence their daily decisions, including those related to food consumption (Marzban and Emami, 2023, Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). The role of advertising and media in shaping dietary habits has gained significant attention; particularly as unhealthy eating patterns contribute to rising rates of obesity and related health issues among youth (Kucharczuk et al., 2022, Marzban and Masoomi, 2022). This letter seeks to highlight the profound impact of advertising and media on adolescents' food choices, underscore the potential consequences of such influence, and propose recommendations for mitigating its negative effects.
The influence of advertising on adolescents is unparalleled in its reach and intensity (Neufeld et al., 2022). With the proliferation of social media platforms, adolescents are bombarded with targeted marketing campaigns that promote energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods such as sugary snacks, fast food, and carbonated beverages (Bragg et al., 2021). Research has consistently shown that exposure to advertisements for unhealthy foods directly correlates with increased consumption of these items, particularly among impressionable age groups (Molenaar et al., 2021). This impact is compounded by the sophisticated strategies employed by advertisers, such as endorsements by influencers, appealing packaging, and promotional discounts that attract the attention of younger audiences (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022).
Media, particularly digital platforms, creates an environment where unhealthy food choices are normalized and even glamorized (Molenaar et al., 2021). Advertisements often present junk food as an essential part of a fun, social, and aspirational lifestyle (Maksi et al., 2024). Adolescents, who are in a critical phase of identity formation, are particularly susceptible to such messages. As a result, they are not only drawn to these unhealthy options but may also develop long-term habits that contribute to poor dietary practices (Kelly et al., 2024). Moreover, these advertisements overshadow healthier food options, leading to a knowledge gap in understanding the benefits of nutritious eating (Kucharczuk et al., 2022).
One of the most concerning aspects of such influence is the impact on health. The aggressive promotion of unhealthy foods has contributed to a noticeable increase in obesity rates among adolescents (Bragg et al., 2021). Obesity is a major risk factor for numerous chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer (Kelly et al., 2024). Beyond the physical health consequences, poor dietary habits can also negatively affect cognitive development, mental health, and academic performance in adolescents (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022). For instance, diets high in sugar and processed foods have been linked to poor concentration and increased anxiety (Kelly et al., 2024).
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving key stakeholders, including parents, educators, policymakers, and the food and advertising industries (Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). Parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding adolescents toward healthier food choices by providing education on nutrition and fostering an environment that prioritizes balanced meals (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022). Schools can integrate nutrition education into their curriculums, helping adolescents critically assess the messages they receive from advertisements and making informed decisions about their diet (Neufeld et al., 2022).
At the policy level, stricter regulations on food advertising targeted at adolescents are essential. Governments should consider implementing guidelines that limit the marketing of unhealthy foods during programming or on platforms frequently accessed by adolescents (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022). Lessons can be learned from policies in some countries, where restrictions on advertisements for sugary and high-fat foods during children’s television programming have demonstrated positive outcomes (Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). Furthermore, the promotion of healthy foods through subsidies, endorsements by influencers, and strategic marketing can help balance the narrative and encourage healthier dietary behaviors (Molenaar et al., 2021).
The food and advertising industries also have a responsibility to prioritize ethical marketing practices that consider the long-term health of their audiences (Maksi et al., 2024). Initiatives such as reformulating products to contain less sugar and saturated fat, as well as offering healthier alternatives, demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility (Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). Collaboration between industries and public health institutions can also lead to creative campaigns that make healthy eating appealing and accessible for adolescents (Molenaar et al., 2021).
In conclusion, the influence of advertising and media on adolescents' food choices is undeniable and has far-reaching consequences for their physical and mental health. However, these effects are not irreversible. By implementing evidence-based strategies, empowering adolescents through education, and fostering collaborations between stakeholders, it is possible to counteract the negative impacts of advertising and promote healthier dietary behaviors. Adolescents are at a pivotal stage of life, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to make informed and healthy choices.
References
Bragg M, Lutfeali S, Greene T, Osterman J & Dalton M 2021. How food marketing on Instagram shapes adolescents’ food preferences: online randomized trial. Journal of medical internet research. 23 (10): e28689.
Demers-Potvin É, et al. 2022. Adolescents’ media usage and self-reported exposure to advertising across six countries: implications for less healthy food and beverage marketing. BMJ open. 12 (5): e058913.
Kelly B, Boyland E, Tatlow-Golden M & Christiansen P 2024. Testing a conceptual Hierarchy of Effects model of food marketing exposure and associations with children and adolescents’ diet-related outcomes. Public health nutrition. 27 (1): e10.
Kucharczuk AJ, Oliver TL & Dowdell EB 2022. Social media’s influence on adolescents′ food choices: A mixed studies systematic literature review. Appetite. 168: 105765.
Maksi SJ, et al. 2024. The food and beverage cues in digital marketing model: Special considerations of social media, gaming, and livestreaming environments for food marketing and eating behavior research. Frontiers in nutrition. 10: 1325265.
Marzban A & Emami P 2023. The role of social media in the lives of adolescents. International journal of school health. 10 (4): 238-240.
Marzban A & Masoomi S 2022. Socio-Ecological Factors Related to Eating Behavior and Obesity in Students. Journal of nutrition and food security. 7 (1): 1-3.
Molenaar A, et al. 2021. Effects of advertising: A qualitative analysis of young adults’ engagement with social media about food. Nutrients. 13 (6): 1934.
Neufeld LM, et al. 2022. Food choice in transition: adolescent autonomy, agency, and the food environment. Lancet. 399 (10320): 185-197.
Tsochantaridou A, et al. 2023. Food advertisement and dietary choices in adolescents: an overview of recent studies. Children. 10 (3): 442.
In today’s digital age, adolescents are increasingly exposed to a variety of advertising messages that influence their daily decisions, including those related to food consumption (Marzban and Emami, 2023, Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). The role of advertising and media in shaping dietary habits has gained significant attention; particularly as unhealthy eating patterns contribute to rising rates of obesity and related health issues among youth (Kucharczuk et al., 2022, Marzban and Masoomi, 2022). This letter seeks to highlight the profound impact of advertising and media on adolescents' food choices, underscore the potential consequences of such influence, and propose recommendations for mitigating its negative effects.
The influence of advertising on adolescents is unparalleled in its reach and intensity (Neufeld et al., 2022). With the proliferation of social media platforms, adolescents are bombarded with targeted marketing campaigns that promote energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods such as sugary snacks, fast food, and carbonated beverages (Bragg et al., 2021). Research has consistently shown that exposure to advertisements for unhealthy foods directly correlates with increased consumption of these items, particularly among impressionable age groups (Molenaar et al., 2021). This impact is compounded by the sophisticated strategies employed by advertisers, such as endorsements by influencers, appealing packaging, and promotional discounts that attract the attention of younger audiences (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022).
Media, particularly digital platforms, creates an environment where unhealthy food choices are normalized and even glamorized (Molenaar et al., 2021). Advertisements often present junk food as an essential part of a fun, social, and aspirational lifestyle (Maksi et al., 2024). Adolescents, who are in a critical phase of identity formation, are particularly susceptible to such messages. As a result, they are not only drawn to these unhealthy options but may also develop long-term habits that contribute to poor dietary practices (Kelly et al., 2024). Moreover, these advertisements overshadow healthier food options, leading to a knowledge gap in understanding the benefits of nutritious eating (Kucharczuk et al., 2022).
One of the most concerning aspects of such influence is the impact on health. The aggressive promotion of unhealthy foods has contributed to a noticeable increase in obesity rates among adolescents (Bragg et al., 2021). Obesity is a major risk factor for numerous chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer (Kelly et al., 2024). Beyond the physical health consequences, poor dietary habits can also negatively affect cognitive development, mental health, and academic performance in adolescents (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022). For instance, diets high in sugar and processed foods have been linked to poor concentration and increased anxiety (Kelly et al., 2024).
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving key stakeholders, including parents, educators, policymakers, and the food and advertising industries (Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). Parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding adolescents toward healthier food choices by providing education on nutrition and fostering an environment that prioritizes balanced meals (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022). Schools can integrate nutrition education into their curriculums, helping adolescents critically assess the messages they receive from advertisements and making informed decisions about their diet (Neufeld et al., 2022).
At the policy level, stricter regulations on food advertising targeted at adolescents are essential. Governments should consider implementing guidelines that limit the marketing of unhealthy foods during programming or on platforms frequently accessed by adolescents (Demers-Potvin et al., 2022). Lessons can be learned from policies in some countries, where restrictions on advertisements for sugary and high-fat foods during children’s television programming have demonstrated positive outcomes (Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). Furthermore, the promotion of healthy foods through subsidies, endorsements by influencers, and strategic marketing can help balance the narrative and encourage healthier dietary behaviors (Molenaar et al., 2021).
The food and advertising industries also have a responsibility to prioritize ethical marketing practices that consider the long-term health of their audiences (Maksi et al., 2024). Initiatives such as reformulating products to contain less sugar and saturated fat, as well as offering healthier alternatives, demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility (Tsochantaridou et al., 2023). Collaboration between industries and public health institutions can also lead to creative campaigns that make healthy eating appealing and accessible for adolescents (Molenaar et al., 2021).
In conclusion, the influence of advertising and media on adolescents' food choices is undeniable and has far-reaching consequences for their physical and mental health. However, these effects are not irreversible. By implementing evidence-based strategies, empowering adolescents through education, and fostering collaborations between stakeholders, it is possible to counteract the negative impacts of advertising and promote healthier dietary behaviors. Adolescents are at a pivotal stage of life, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to make informed and healthy choices.
References
Bragg M, Lutfeali S, Greene T, Osterman J & Dalton M 2021. How food marketing on Instagram shapes adolescents’ food preferences: online randomized trial. Journal of medical internet research. 23 (10): e28689.
Demers-Potvin É, et al. 2022. Adolescents’ media usage and self-reported exposure to advertising across six countries: implications for less healthy food and beverage marketing. BMJ open. 12 (5): e058913.
Kelly B, Boyland E, Tatlow-Golden M & Christiansen P 2024. Testing a conceptual Hierarchy of Effects model of food marketing exposure and associations with children and adolescents’ diet-related outcomes. Public health nutrition. 27 (1): e10.
Kucharczuk AJ, Oliver TL & Dowdell EB 2022. Social media’s influence on adolescents′ food choices: A mixed studies systematic literature review. Appetite. 168: 105765.
Maksi SJ, et al. 2024. The food and beverage cues in digital marketing model: Special considerations of social media, gaming, and livestreaming environments for food marketing and eating behavior research. Frontiers in nutrition. 10: 1325265.
Marzban A & Emami P 2023. The role of social media in the lives of adolescents. International journal of school health. 10 (4): 238-240.
Marzban A & Masoomi S 2022. Socio-Ecological Factors Related to Eating Behavior and Obesity in Students. Journal of nutrition and food security. 7 (1): 1-3.
Molenaar A, et al. 2021. Effects of advertising: A qualitative analysis of young adults’ engagement with social media about food. Nutrients. 13 (6): 1934.
Neufeld LM, et al. 2022. Food choice in transition: adolescent autonomy, agency, and the food environment. Lancet. 399 (10320): 185-197.
Tsochantaridou A, et al. 2023. Food advertisement and dietary choices in adolescents: an overview of recent studies. Children. 10 (3): 442.
Type of article: letter to the editor |
Subject:
public specific
Received: 2025/04/22 | Published: 2025/11/19 | ePublished: 2025/11/19
Received: 2025/04/22 | Published: 2025/11/19 | ePublished: 2025/11/19
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