Food Advertising's Role in Rising Obesity Rates: An Urgent Call for Action

Not only India, Obesity is a serious threat all over the world. Now these days in India, Obesity is growing with pace. Mostly the hectic lifestyle people living busy life, urban lifestyles and in results choosing easy eating habits, processed foods in streets or restaurants, in results, obesity rates are rising. There is one more factor which makes more impact on our minds, and that is: food advertising. We are surronding with Fancy TV commercials and social media ads, where companies promoting their unhealthy foods very proudly, and creating a massive impact on our mind to buy and eat. Now this is the time to call self realization, think and talk about how food advertising is responsible for obesity and how we can save ourselves from it.

Why Food Ads Are So Powerful

Food ads are designed to do more than just show you what’s for dinner—they’re created to influence your choices. Companies are hardcore commercial and they just worried about their revenue and sales. But health is yours, so think before buyng unhealthy foods with the impact of commercial ads, in commercial ad, what makes you irresistible to buy unhealthy food? Answer is mouth-watering images, videos and influencers all work together to make your mind set up to buy. These ads are not only make you feel hungry even few are making it as status symbol.

In India, food advertising is everywhere, especially targeting kids. The fast food ads, processed sugary products, drinks wth bad impact on human body, presenting on your TV screens to kids specially, in a way to sign of fun, happiness and success, creating a huge impact on kids mind. These ads are not promoting food, These are promoting unhealthy habits to kids in early age, Now time to realization and get back to healthy habits of food.

The Emotional Trigger Behind Food Ads

Food ads don’t just sell products; they sell feelings. They associate certain foods with good times—family gatherings, celebrations, or rewards. And the worst part? They’re often aimed at kids. Young children are impressionable. When they see their favorite cartoon characters or celebrities endorsing sugary snacks or fast food, they connect those foods with fun and happiness. Over time, these connections stick, and kids start craving what they’ve seen in ads.

As these kids grow up, they carry these habits with them. They might not even realize it, but every time they reach for junk food, they’re looking for more than just food—they’re looking for that emotional payoff that ads have promised them. That’s how these unhealthy eating habits become ingrained, and it becomes harder and harder to break free from them.

How Food Ads Lead to Obesity

So, how do food ads contribute to rising obesity rates? Research makes it clear: food ads, especially those aimed at kids, influence what we eat and how much we eat. Kids exposed to food ads are more likely to choose high-calorie, low-nutrient foods over healthier options. And when food ads glorify sugary snacks, fast food, and sugary drinks, these become their go-to choices.

This problem is especially significant in India. With a large and growing population of children and teenagers, the impact of these ads is huge. Obesity rates in children are rising, and conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease—once seen in adults—are now affecting kids. We’re seeing the effects of this unhealthy trend firsthand, and the future doesn’t look good.

The Health Toll of Obesity

The health risks of obesity are well-known. Obesity is linked to several chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. But the effects go beyond physical health. Obesity is already placing a huge strain on India’s healthcare system, and this strain will only get worse as more and more people develop obesity-related diseases.

Children are particularly at risk. What’s scary is that many of these kids won’t even realize they’re setting themselves up for lifelong health problems. They might face diabetes or heart disease before they even reach adulthood. And by then, their health could already be compromised.

What Needs to Change: A Call for Action

So, what can we do about this? The answer is simple: we need stronger regulations to control food advertising, especially when it targets children. Other countries have taken steps to limit food ads, particularly those promoting unhealthy foods. The UK, for example, has laws restricting food ads during children’s TV programming and banning the use of cartoon characters to sell junk food. But in India, food advertising remains largely unregulated.

Here’s what India can do to take control:

Stricter Advertising Guidelines: We need laws that limit food ads targeted at children. This includes ads on TV, social media, and even digital games. We can’t let unhealthy foods be marketed as fun or rewarding anymore.
Promote Healthier Choices: Food companies must be pushed to promote healthier alternatives, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Let’s shift the narrative and make healthy food exciting!
Public Education: We need to launch nationwide campaigns to educate parents and children about the risks of unhealthy eating. Food ads may sell fun, but we must make sure people know the long-term consequences of unhealthy diets.
Clear Labeling: Food products should have clear nutritional information. No more hidden sugar or fat. Let’s make it easy for consumers to see what they’re actually eating.

Time to Take Action
It’s clear that food advertising plays a big role in rising obesity rates, and it’s time to do something about it. By limiting harmful ads, promoting healthier food choices, and educating the public, we can create a healthier future for India. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible.

Food advertising shouldn’t be allowed to manipulate us, especially our children. We need stronger regulations, better consumer awareness, and healthier marketing strategies. The health of our nation is at stake, and the time to act is now.

The power to change is in our hands. Let’s take control and push for a future where food advertising promotes health, not harmful habits.