Targeted marketing of high-calorie foods and beverages to ethnic minority populations may contribute to ethnic disparities in obesity and other diet-related chronic conditions.

What researchers found: Although the evidence base has limitations, studies indicated that African Americans are consistently exposed to food promotion and distribution patterns with relatively greater potential adverse health effects than are whites. This study provides a foundation for others in considering how consumers in these populations respond to their particular marketing environments, allowing for much more specificity than studies of responses to marketing in general. Understanding the marketing environments for specific consumer segments will help to identify gaps and aid in the development of marketing efforts that target prevention efforts or encourage healthy behaviors. 

Why we chose this article: Greater frequency of advertisements for less healthy food and beverage products targeted toward African Americans compared to the general population illustrates the importance of addressing this disproportionate media exposure. In addition to advancing the limited evidence base in this area, researchers should examine how marketing exposure affects purchasing and consumption patterns among African Americans and subgroups at higher risk for overweight and obesity.

What researchers studied: The authors conducted a systematic review of studies published from June 1992 through 2006  that permitted comparison of food and beverage marketing to African Americans versus whites and others. Eight studies reported on product promotions, 11 on retail food outlet locations, and three on food prices.