Abstract

Obesity is a serious global epidemic and the prevention strategies im- plemented have been insufficient. Numerous environmental factors have been associated with risk of obesity and their full consideration in prevention policies is important. The connection between food advertising on television and childhood obesity has been demonstrated. The large number of advertisements for unhealthy foods targeted at children through television and its possible impact on health has led some countries to legislate on this matter. However, a con- ceptual framework of reference enabling legislation must be internationally defined in order to achieve a real impact in preventing childhood obesity. This paper reviews scien- tific evidence on the relationship between food advertising and childhood obesity as a basis for developing public po- licies to regulate food marketing on television.