Pubblicità e salute: come gli spot pubblicitari influenzano le scelte alimentari

In Italy, according to ISTAT data of 2010, there is a significant prevalence of overweight and / or obesity in children and adults, which can also be affected by the high frequency spots diffusion by television commercials regarding often high calorie foods, rich in saturated fats and simple sugars with high energy density. The focus of our study is to investigate whether and how they are compatible with the guidelines for a healthy diet. The survey involved the observation of food commercials broadcast on major Italian television networks (public: Rai 1, Rai 2, Rai 3, and in the private Rete 4, Canale 5, Italia 1 and La 7) from January to April 2012. Eight different timing periods during the week (7 to 23) were examined. The data collected show, in particular for private networks, the prevalence of the advertising of high-calorie foods than those healthier recommended by the guidelines.