Advertisers spend big on unhealthy ads

When it comes to spending money on promoting food, advertisers spend more money on fast food ads than on healthy food ads.

The Public Health Association conference was told recently that during 2007, the fast food industry spent $12.94 for every man, woman and child in New Zealand on TV advertising – compared with $1.44 per New Zealander that was spent on TV advertising of fruit and vegetables. The director of the Obesity Action Coalition told the recent Waitangi Public Health Association conference that overseas studies show TV advertising aimed at children affects what children prefer, buy and eat.

New Zealand research has also established the food advertised on TV during the hours children are most watching is mainly fast and convenience food.

Using standard advertising rates, it is estimated that during 2007, $55,192,849 was spent on TV advertising of fast food alone. In addition, $20,162,384 was spent with TV companies advertising chocolate in all its forms and $17,755,433 on fizzy drinks.

Source: Obesity Action Coalition, July 2008