Regulation of digital marketing of ultra-processed food to adolescents is urgently needed

Fang and colleagues found that the consumption of ultra-processed food in adults is associated with higher mortality.1 We draw attention to the digital marketing of ultra-processed food, particularly to adolescents.Marketing of food products to adolescents on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook is designed to be frequent, appealing, and compelling to increase sales.2 This type of marketing uses inviting features and persuasive techniques (such as likes, comments, logos, hashtags, special offers, and use of celebrities) that alter adolescents’ food preferences, attitudes, and purchasing intentions. The global impact of social media marketing on adolescents’ food preferences underscores the urgent need for regulation.Despite the heavy use of social media marketing, however, regulation in many countries focuses primarily on television marketing.3 Unhealthy food preferences pose a risk for various chronic diseases in childhood, including childhood obesity. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults.4 Thanks to Fang and colleagues we now know…
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