Show-Me State Times

Research conducted by Saint Louis University and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine reveals that advertisements aired during NFL games often promote foods high in sodium, calories, and fat. These findings highlight potential health risks for adults with chronic conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and kidney failure.

The study titled “Salt and Nutritional Content of Foods Advertised During Televised Professional Football Games” was led by Lara Al-Zoubaidi from SLU’s Doisy College of Health Sciences. Al-Zoubaidi worked under the guidance of Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., dean at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

The research examined how advertising impacts consumer behavior and meal choices among individuals with chronic health issues. Al-Zoubaidi noted surprise at the normalization and lack of regulation surrounding these ads: “The thing that surprised me most was how normalized these ads and paid promotions were, and there weren't any regulations on how much people could view them.”

Researchers identified that excessive intake often stems from processed foods offered by restaurants or food establishments. They reported this can negatively impact conditions like coronary artery disease and diabetes. The study suggested clinicians should advise patients to limit dietary sodium intake from foods advertised during NFL games to potentially improve their symptoms and quality of life.

“This study was geared towards physicians to raise awareness around what their patients are consuming and empower them to take control of their health,” said Al-Zoubaidi.

Other contributors to the research include Nadya Vinsdata from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, along with R. Eric Heidel from the Department of Surgery at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine.