Why do you see people in commercials eating less than healthy foods?

Why do you see people in commercials eating less than healthy foods?

While watching one 30 minute episode of the Big Bang Theory on the CW28 Providence I noticed that over 50% of all the commercials aired showed the actors eating less than healthy nutritious foods. Foods that in fact contributing to the weight problem in the U.S

The following were aired:

• Medicine for some disorder - they were sitting around a camp fire eating smores

• Dunkin Donuts Coolatta

• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups- enough said 

• Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken - Sodium, GMO feed chickens, preservatives etc.....

• Domino's- Large two topping pizza's for $5.99 each

• Ford Escape- discussion about eating Thanksgiving dinner

• Häagen-Dazs ice cream

Is there evidence that showing actors eating healthy(ire) foods lessens the product sales?

According to: Why it matters: Junk Food Ads Tips-The fastest way to a kid's brain? Through his stomach. Help kids see through junk food ads.

Research, including a 2010 study from UCLA, finds a strong connection between ads and eating habits. One out of every three kids in this country is at risk for becoming obese. American kids consume more than one-third of their daily calories from soft drinks, sweets, salty snacks, and fast food. As kids associate pleasure with junk food, they develop lifelong, unhealthy habits that are difficult to break.

I don't think everyone needs to be eating raw broccoli, but can we come to a happy medium that helps promote a shift in eating behaviors?  Or is that to much to ask for profit driven food companies?

Join the Discussion