Research reveals that sugar-sweetened fruit-flavored drinks and toddler milks are misleadingly marketed as healthy options for young children. Experts confirm that these products contain high amounts of added sugars, non-nutritive sweeteners, and little to no juice.
The fast-food industry's annual ad spending increased by over $400 million since 2012, with children viewing an average of two fast food TV ads per day. The advertisements disproportionately targeted Black and Hispanic youth, groups who already face greater risk for obesity.
A recent international study found that over 50% of adults across six countries report experiencing weight stigma, leading to negative healthcare encounters and avoidance. The study highlights the need for a global effort to address weight stigma in healthcare settings and family environments.
A study found that weight stigma in young adults predicted higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and binge eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also showed that weight stigma was associated with worse health outcomes for both males and females, regardless of their body weight.
A new report from the Rudd Center found that beverage companies continued to target Black and Hispanic youth with TV ads for soda, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks in 2018. The report documents a 26% increase in ad spending compared to 2013, with $586 million spent on regular soda and soda brands alone.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that 73% of LGBTQ adolescents experience bias-based bullying for reasons beyond their sexual identity. Schools with Gay Straight Alliances report lower rates of bullying, emphasizing the importance of promoting broad-reaching inclusion and acceptance.
US sales of toddler milks more than doubled from 2006 to 2015, driven by increased TV advertising spending and lower prices. This surge in sales occurred despite health experts' recommendations that parents not serve toddler milks, citing added sugars and lack of nutritional benefits.
The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act led to significant improvements in school meal quality, with increased whole grains, dairy, and fruits, while reducing refined grains. Participation rates rose in schools serving healthiest lunches, offsetting concerns about costs.
A study from the UConn Rudd Center found that nearly all teen engagement with food and beverage brands on social media was for unhealthy products. The study also revealed that brand engagement was highest among Black teens, Spanish-speaking Hispanic teens, and teens with lower education levels, raising public health concerns.
A report from the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity found that 62% of children's drink sales were dominated by fruit drinks and flavored waters with added sugars. Healthier drinks like 100 percent juice represented only 38% of sales, with companies spending $20.7 million to advertise sugar-sweetened drinks to children.
A recent study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that weight stigma in men is associated with harmful health consequences, including depressive symptoms and dieting behaviors. Men who experienced or internalized weight stigma had higher rates of binge eating and lower self-rated health.
A new study found that LGBTQ adolescents who experienced weight-based victimization had increased odds of alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, and cigarette use, as well as poorer self-rated health, higher depressive symptoms, and lower self-esteem.
A new study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that meal kits and recipe tastings in a food pantry increased the selection of whole grains and leafy greens by three times. The study also showed a spillover effect, where clients selected additional healthier options when meal kits were available.
A new report finds that food companies spend 8 out of 10 dollars on unhealthy snacks and fast food ads targeting Black and Hispanic youth. The study analyzed 32 major food companies' advertising to children and teens in 2017, revealing a lack of healthy product promotion.
A new study found that implementing strong school nutrition policies is associated with healthier weight trajectories in middle school students. The study, which followed 595 students over three years, found that students from schools with nutrition policy interventions experienced less than a 1% increase in body mass index (BMI), whil...
A new study found that 74% of kids still receive unhealthy drinks and/or side items with their kids' meals from top four restaurant chains. Healthier options like fruit, yogurt, and low-fat milk are available but often not promoted or made easily accessible.