February 17/Lebanon, N.H./Disease Risk Factor Week -- New research from the Hood Center for Children and Families at Dartmouth Medical School (DMS) for the first time sheds light on the significant potential negative impact that food product placements in the movies could be having on children.
The study, which appears in the current edition of the journal Pediatrics, shows that most of the "brand placements" for food, beverage and food retail establishments frequently portrayed in movies are for energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods or product lines. In addition, the study shows for the first time that product placements in movies may be a far more potent source of advertising to children in terms of food choices than previously understood.