A recent study published in the journal Food Policy found that food marketing on Twitch, a popular videogame livestreaming platform, is associated with more positive attitudes towards, and purchases and intake of, unhealthy foods that are high in fat, salt and/or sugar (HFSS) like energy drinks among adolescents aged 18 or younger.
The study found that adolescents who were exposed to HFSS food marketing on Twitch were more likely to:
Have positive attitudes towards HFSS foods
Prefer HFSS food brands
Purchase HFSS foods
Consume HFSS foods
The study's authors say that their findings suggest that food marketing on Twitch may be contributing to the rise of obesity among adolescents. They call for stronger regulations on food marketing on Twitch and other online platforms.
The study's findings are consistent with previous research on the effects of food marketing on children and adolescents. For example, a study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who were exposed to food marketing were more likely to be overweight or obese.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit their children's exposure to food marketing. The Academy also recommends that parents talk to their children about healthy eating and make healthy food choices available at home.
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