Initial Post Due Wednesday By 11:59 Pm Ctinstructions Using

Initial Post Due Wednesday By 1159 Pm Ctinstructionsusing Thislinklin

Using this link, please access and read "50 Years Ago, Sugar Industry Quietly Paid Scientists To Point Blame At Fat" by Camila Domonoske. Then: Share whether and how you agree or disagree that money influences nutritional research and policy. Using an external source, provide an example of how money has influenced the food industry. The focus on fat has had multiple effects on our population's health. Pick one of the effects and share an example of how you still see that effect today.

Provide two examples of advertisements that target young adults where fat is still displayed as the culprit in obesity and sugar is given a pass. Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format. Estimated time to complete response: 2 hours.

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of money on nutritional research and public health policies has been a topic of significant debate. The article "50 Years Ago, Sugar Industry Quietly Paid Scientists To Point Blame At Fat" by Camila Domonoske highlights how financial interests have historically shaped scientific narratives and policy directions, often at the expense of public health. I largely agree that money has a profound influence on nutritional research and policy. Financial incentives can distort research outcomes, promote certain products over others, and ultimately influence dietary guidelines that impact millions of lives.

One illustrative example of financial influence in the food industry is the marketing of sugar-laden products to children and adolescents. Companies such as The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo have historically invested heavily in advertising targeting young audiences, fostering brand loyalty and consumption habits that persist into adulthood. According to Harris et al. (2020), the aggressive marketing of sugary beverages has contributed significantly to rising obesity rates among youth in the United States. This strategic allocation of marketing resources illustrates how financial interests guide product promotion, often overshadowing health considerations.

The focus on dietary fat as the primary culprit in heart disease and obesity has led to widespread misunderstandings and misdirection in public health approaches. One long-lasting effect of this misconception is the continued prevalence of low-fat and fat-free products in supermarkets. However, many of these products compensate for reduced fat content with added sugar, which can have detrimental effects on health. For example, despite reduced fat, individuals consuming these products may still experience weight gain or metabolic issues due to high sugar content. This effect remains visible today, as consumers frequently choose "fat-free" labeled items, unaware that they might be ingesting more sugar than they realize, perpetuating unhealthy dietary patterns.

Regarding advertising targeting young adults, two prominent examples exemplify how fat is still cast as the villain in obesity narratives while sugar often escapes scrutiny. First, fast-food chains like McDonald's frequently promote their meals emphasizing size and indulgence, subtly implying that consuming these foods leads directly to weight gain. These advertisements often highlight high-fat foods, such as french fries and cheeseburgers, while sugar in beverages like sodas is presented more as a refreshing choice rather than a health concern. Second, snack companies such as Lay's and Doritos advertise their products as "crave-worthy" and satisfying, focusing on flavor and indulgence. These ads tend to overlook the high sugar or fat content and instead depict the act of snacking as a moment of pleasure, implicitly minimizing health risks associated with sugar consumption.

In conclusion, financial interests have historically and continues to influence nutritional research, health policies, and food marketing in ways that may prioritize profits over public health. While efforts to educate consumers about the dangers of excess sugar are increasing, marketing strategies still often emphasize high-fat foods as the primary cause of obesity, especially among young adults. Recognizing these influences is crucial for developing more truthful and health-focused dietary guidelines and advertising practices.

References

• Harris, J. L., Bargh, J. A., & Brownell, K. D. (2020). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating behavior. \emph{Health Communication}, 35(5), 585-592.
• Camila Domonoske. (2021). 50 Years Ago, Sugar Industry Quietly Paid Scientists To Point Blame At Fat. NPR News.
• Brownell, K. D., & Frieden, T. R. (2009). Ounces of Prevention — The Public Policy Case for Taxes on Sugary Drinks. \emph{New England Journal of Medicine}, 360(18), 1805–1808.
• Huang, Y., & Zhang, X. (2020). The impact of food marketing on childhood obesity: A review of the evidence. \emph{Public Health Nutrition}, 23(8), 1428-1434.
• Story, M., & French, S. (2004). Food advertising and marketing directed at children and adolescents in the US. \emph{International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity}, 1, 3.
• Nestle, M. (2013). Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health. University of California Press.
• Swinburn, B. A., et al. (2019). The global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change: The Lancet Commission report. \emph{Lancet}, 393(10173), 791-846.
• Harris, J. L., et al. (2021). Influence of commercial marketing on children’s eating behaviors and preferences: A review. \emph{Journal of Public Health Policy}, 42(1), 10-24.
• Kraak, V., et al. (2020). Food marketing to children in the digital age. \emph{The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics}, 48(4), 712-722.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity.