Why do I suddenly crave sugar puffs?
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Some countries, like the U.S. and Canada, regulate junk food ads. In Australia – where guidelines are optional — a different tactic is needed.
Enter Ross Hollett and team from Edith Cowan University! They asked, what about ads opposing junk food?
They showed five-hundred adults ads either for or against junk food. For the latter, half promoted healthy foods, and half criticized junk food.
And? Ads against junk food led to a SIGNIFICANT decrease in cravings! Thinner participants preferred critical ads. Meanwhile, chubbier participants liked healthy food promotions.
Until guidelines are mandatory… bring on the broccoli!
Reference: R. C. Hollett, B. Mills, S. L. Godrich, J. Butt, and G. S. A. Trapp, “ Length and Framing of Anti-Junk Food Ads Impact Inclinations to Consume Junk Food Among Normal Weight, Overweight, and Adults With Obesity,” Health Promotion Journal of Australia 37, no. 2 (2026): e70159, https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.70159.