Childhood Obesity Program Area

RWJF is committed to tackling one of the most urgent threats to the health of our children and families—childhood obesity. Our goal is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

Food and Beverage Marketing to Children and Adolescents

February 15, 2013 | Issue Brief

This research review summarizes the academic and industry literature on trends in food marketing to children and adolescents, as well as policy initiatives undertaken to address the contribution of marketing practices to the childhood obesity epidem ...

What Does Mobile and Digital Marketing Have to Do With Childhood Obesity?

June 1, 2012 | Issue Brief

Foods and beverages advertised to young people are often high in calories and low in nutritional value and marketing influences what children consume.

Unhealthy Food Ads Dominate Spanish TV Shows for Kids

May 8, 2013 | News Release

More than 84 percent of all foods and beverages advertised to children on Spanish-language television shows are unhealthy, according to a new study.

Industry Self-Regulation Permits Junk Food Ads in Programming Popular with Children

March 12, 2013

Loopholes in industry self-regulation allow food companies to continue to reach large numbers of children with advertising for unhealthy products during “tween” programs and popular children’s holiday specials.

Digital Food Marketing to Children and Adolescents

October 1, 2011 | Report

Analysis shows significant growth in digital marketing practices.

Does Food and Beverage Marketing Influence Children's Food Choices?

July 1, 2011 | Issue Brief

Food and beverage companies market extensively to children, even those as young as 2.

Food and Beverage Marketing to Children and Adolescents

April 1, 2011 | Report

Evidence shows that children’s and adolescents’ exposure to high-calorie, high-fat, sugary and low-nutrient foods and beverages is more extensive and pervasive. Focusing on studies published between January 2008 and February 2011, this synthesis exa ...

Food Marketing to Children Through Toys

January 1, 2012 | Journal Article

Restaurants influenced by ordinance promoted healthy meal items and discontinued distribution of toys with unhealthy food items.

Fast Food FACTS

November 1, 2010 | Report

Unprecedented new report on fast-food nutrition and marketing examines actions of 12 of the nation's largest chains.

Industry Progress to Market a Healthful Diet to American Children and Adolescents

September 1, 2011 | Journal Article

Five years after an IOM expert committee report on food and beverage marketing, industry stakeholders have not significantly improved their practices to promote a healthful diet to children and adolescents.