ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → Home science

90% of foods endorsed by professional athletes are junk food

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
October 8, 2013
in Home science
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

RelatedPosts

Japan’s North coast is riddled with ancient carved stones – tsunami warnings
The amazing Lyrebird can not only mimic other birds, but also chainsaws, theme songs, and car alarms — anything, basically
Solar employs nearly twice as many people in U.S. electricity generation than oil, gas, and coal combined
An energy-dense diet changes the brain — makes rats hungrier and more prone to obesity

Out of 512 brands endorsed by 100 top athletes, nearly a quarter of them (122) were for food and beverages – 44 different brands in 2010 (some brands had more products). A study conducted by researchers from Yale, Stanford, Duke and Harvard universities showed that almost 80% of all the 49 food products were “energy-dense and nutrient-poor,” and 93% of the 73 beverages got all of their calories from added sugar – basically, junk food.

Eli-Oreo It’s strikingly ironical to have the fittest people on Earth promote some of the worst products on Earth – especially considering that their main target are teenagers – adolescents aged 12 to 17 are the people who saw most of the commercials, explained Marie Bragg of Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity.

“It would be ideal if athletes stopped promoting unhealthful food,” Bragg said. “But that’s a tall order given how much money is involved.” But, she said, she hopes to see such endorsements become a liability for athletes.

Meanwhile, the companies who promote these products apparently don’t give a damn about this and quickly wash their hands on the whole thing by saying they don’t advertise to children:

The American Beverage Assn., a trade group, issued a statement saying, “America’s beverage companies have a longstanding commitment to responsible advertising and marketing practices, including not directing advertising to audiences comprised predominantly of children under 12.”

But when a top athlete earns a several million dollars a year by endorsing such products, things aren’t going to change. The only thing that we can do is take a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to athletes endorsed foods and beverages.

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

assyrian basorelief rock
Archaeology

Stunning 12-Ton Assyrian Relief Unearthed in Iraq Reveals King Legendary King

byMihai Andrei
22 hours ago
Genetics

Scientists uncover anti-aging “glue” that naturally repairs damaged DNA

byMihai Andrei
24 hours ago
Science

New Nanoparticle Vaccine Clears Pancreatic Cancer in Over Half of Preclinical Models

byMihai Andrei
1 day ago
Future

Your Brain Could Reveal a Deadly Heart Risk. AI Is Learning to Read the Signs

byMihai Andrei
1 day ago

Recent news

assyrian basorelief rock

Stunning 12-Ton Assyrian Relief Unearthed in Iraq Reveals King Legendary King

June 21, 2025

Scientists uncover anti-aging “glue” that naturally repairs damaged DNA

June 20, 2025

New Nanoparticle Vaccine Clears Pancreatic Cancer in Over Half of Preclinical Models

June 20, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.