U.K. Could Tackle Obesity by Targeting Ads

Cancer Research U.K. is calling for England’s ministers to limit advertisements for junk foods including burgers, pizza, snacks, and beverages before 9 p.m. 

Experts say teens in poorer areas are "most at risk from the impact of promotions" and that teens exposed to this type of ads are twice as likely to be overweight. As a result, experts have called to limit stores that sell unhealthy foods from opening near schools, according to London’s The Sun.

In the U.K., one in three kids is overweight or obese, increasing their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart and liver disease, and cancer. Overall, those with daily recall of the ads were 120% more likely to be obese than those with minimal exposure, according to researchers who polled 3,348 kids ages 11 to 19. 

Jyotsna Vohra of Cancer Research UK said, “The eating habits adopted in childhood are more likely to remain into adulthood. Curbing exposure to these ads would help reduce obesity.”

David Taylor-Robinson of the Royal College of Paediatrics said, “Impressionable youngsters are bombarded with ads.”

Public Health England wants kids to consume 20% less sugar by 2020.