Yale study finds athletes endorse too much junk food to adolescents

Researchers at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University looked into the practice of professional athletes endorsing food products and found that sports stars mostly promote junk food.

They discovered that of the 62 food products high-ranking athletes like Peyton Manning and Serena Williams endorsed, 49 were high in calories and low on nutrition.

In addition to “The Decision,” it appears there is another reason why people might be irritated with NBA star Lebron James. According to the study, “Peyton Manning (professional American football player) and LeBron James (professional basketball player) had the most endorsements for energy-dense, nutrient-poor products.”

The study, which will be published in the November issue of Pediatrics, found that adolescents aged 12 to 17 were the primary viewers of television commercials that featured athlete endorsements of food.

Study author Marie Bragg pointed out the irony of physically-fit athletes promoting unhealthy foods and said that it's a combination that "sends mixed messages about diet and health."

The study concludes that, "Professional athletes have an important opportunity to promote the public's health, particularly for youth, by refusing endorsement contracts that involve promotion of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and beverages.”