Stat: Banning junk food ads reduces calorie intake

According to research conducted by PLOS Medicine, restricting fast food advertising on public transport reduces the average intake of high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) food and drink. In the UK, limiting junk food advertising on Transport for London (TFL) resulted in a weekly reduction of 1,001k calories per household.

The study, which was led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), analysed data from over two million supermarket purchases of HFSS to evaluate the impact of the TfL HFSS policy, which was imposed on the London Underground, TfL Rail and bus stops. Showing promising results, the average weekly energy purchases of chocolate and confectionery decreased by 317.9 kcal (19.4%).

‘The findings are particularly significant in light of the Health Bill currently going through Parliament, as they provide further evidence of the effectiveness of advertising restrictions and help support the case for the government’s proposed ban on the online advertising of high-fat, salt and sugar foods and drinks,’ explains professor Steven Cummins, chief investigator of the study.

As governments consider implementing policies limiting HFSS advertising in outdoor spaces, the findings support the efficacy of such prohibitions. Companies looking to further inspire healthy eating can consult Healthy Kids Campaigns.