Five Minutes of Junk Food Ads Make Kids Eat 130 Extra Calories Daily

A new study has found that just five minutes of junk food advertising can push children to eat an extra 130 kilocalories a day. The research involved 240 British youngsters aged seven to 15, revealing how ads for high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods shape eating habits. Experts warn that these effects last well beyond the initial exposure, influencing meals for the rest of the day. The study tracked how children responded to ads for unhealthy snacks, fast food, and sugary drinks. Whether on TV, social media, podcasts, or billboards, the impact remained the same: exposure led to higher calorie intake. Even ads showing only brand logos—without any specific product—still triggered extra eating, though less than direct product promotion.

Heavier children were the most affected. The more overweight a child was, the more their calorie consumption rose after seeing junk food ads. Researchers noted that dietary patterns formed in childhood often stick, shaping long-term health and increasing the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. The team behind the findings is now calling for tighter rules on junk food marketing. Their goal is to reduce the influence of these ads on young people’s diets and help curb rising obesity rates.

The research highlights a clear link between advertising and children’s eating habits. A short burst of junk food ads can lead to a 130-kilocalorie daily increase, with effects lasting until the next meal. Stricter advertising controls could play a key role in improving the long-term health of young people.