TV, radio, Internet, and social media commercials constantly encouraging people to consume processed foods loaded with sugar and additives. Impulse eating is responsible for the increase in obesity among adults and children. Adults and children have been conditioned to eat meals in front of the television since the introduction of TV dinners in the 1950’s.

Studies on Impulse Eating and Commercials

People are subliminally encouraged from early childhood on to respond to television and other media ads for processed foods. Food advertising accounts for approximately 50 percent of the ad time on programs designed for children. It starts with sweetened cereals for toddlers and moves on to candy bars, cookies, chips, and fast food chains. Children usually see more than a dozen junk food ads within a four-hour period of TV viewing.

Children consumed 45 percent more food on average after exposure to TV advertising, according to recent studies. Adults also consumed snacks, even though they were not hungry, after watching food advertising. This encourages binge eating, a disorder leading to obesity.

Those who spend four hours or more in front of the TV are usually sedentary and less likely to exercise. This encourages weight gain and other health problems.

TV Snacking

Food and drink companies sponsor sporting events and prime time entertainment on television. It is a multi-billion dollar industry. Ads for the Super Bowl can cost a company a million dollars for a 30-second spot.

That beer or potato chip commercial during the baseball or football game may send you to the kitchen for a beer or soda and chips to consume during the remainder of the game.

It is easy to tap on a Smartphone and order that great looking pizza you just saw on the TV. It will be delivered. You might decide to drive through a local fast food restaurant for a burger or tacos during half-time.

How to Avoid Impulse Eating and Commercials

Here are a few ideas:

• Turn off or mute the TV during commercials
• Try to avoid eating while watching television
• Get up and do a few minutes of exercises while the ads are shown
• Leave the room and drink a glass of water during ad breaks

Spend more time exercising and less time in front of the TV, even during your favorite prime time entertainment season. You can record programs and fast-forward through the commercials on replay.

Get Help from NYC Weightloss Solutions

Our counselors at NYC Weightloss Solutions are aware of the continuing problem of impulse eating and commercials. We will develop a healthy eating plan for you that will eliminate impulse eating, leading to weight loss and a firmer body through exercise. Call NYC Weightloss Solutions at (212) 759-8118 or click on the link below for a free consultation.

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