From online advertising, even children get fat

    The International Association for the Study of Obesity has issued a special appeal urging children to be protected from the "harmful marketing techniques" used in online advertising and on television ( PDF appeal ).

    According to experts, it is necessary to develop international standards for advertising on the Internet to stop the epidemic of childhood obesity. In particular, any advertising of fast food and snacks specifically for children should be prohibited.

    Studies in the USA showed that 85% of all products advertised on TV for children are simultaneously promoted via the Internet using viral marketing, linking to films and television programs. About 12.2 million American children visit fast food and fizzy drinks websites.

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