Canadian scientists give thumbs down to fast food, sugary drink posts aimed at kids [Video]

Social media marketing of fast food, soft drinks, chocolate and other snacks contribute to “normalizing” unhealthy eating, say Canadian researchers calling for policies to protect children and teens.

Social media is emerging as a top source of youth exposure to marketing promoting products that are poor in nutrients, they say.

Now a study published in Thursday’s issue of the journal PLOS Digital Health has focused on the 40 food brands with the highest sales in Canada. Fast-food restaurants and sugar-sweetened beverages were the most common social media posts mentioning products.

Study author Monique Potvin Kent, a professor in the school of epidemiology and public health at the University of Ottawa, previously estimated Canadian children see more than 4,000 food and beverage ads per year on social media using their digital devices. For teens, it’s 9,000 ads.

“Even if you’re the most conscientious parent who gives their child healthy eating messages on a daily …