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Advertisements during NFL games, some of the most-watched events in the United States, are bombarding viewers with food options high in fat, sodium, and calories. A recent study from Saint Louis University (SLU) and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine has raised concerns about the nutritional content of foods promoted in these ads and the potential impact on adults with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
The study, titled “Salt and Nutritional Content of Foods Advertised During Televised Professional Football Games,” was published online on Jan. 30, 2025, in JAMA Network. The research examined the nutritional content of foods advertised during NFL games, focusing on those from store-bought products and quick-service restaurants.
Lead researcher Lara Al-Zoubaidi, a third-year nutrition student at SLU’s Doisy College of Health Sciences, along with senior author Dr. Paul J. Hauptman, Dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, and their team, found that many foods advertised were loaded with excessive amounts of sodium, calories, and fat—nutrients that pose particular risks to individuals with conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, and kidney failure.
“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,” Al-Zoubaidi remarked.
The study revealed that processed and prepared foods, particularly those from high-volume restaurants or food establishments, often featured in these advertisements, may contribute to poor dietary choices. Excess intake of fat and calories is linked to the worsening of chronic cardiovascular conditions and other health issues.
One of the most alarming findings is that the advertising exposure, combined with the extended viewing times of NFL games, could potentially worsen dietary habits, especially for individuals already battling chronic health conditions. Researchers noted that the high sodium content in many advertised foods could exacerbate the symptoms of these conditions, particularly in individuals with hypertension or heart disease.
To further analyze these foods’ nutritional value, the research team assessed the nutritional content based on each company’s website. The study concluded that clinicians should educate their patients about the impact of these foods, advising individuals to limit sodium intake from many products featured in NFL game advertisements.
“This study was geared towards physicians to raise awareness about what their patients are consuming and empower them to take control of their health,” Al-Zoubaidi explained.
While the study’s focus was on adults with chronic health conditions, it also serves as a reminder of the wider impact that advertising can have on consumer behavior. With NFL games reaching millions of viewers, the prevalence of unhealthy food options in ads could be contributing to poor dietary habits across the broader population.
The research is a call to action for both consumers and healthcare professionals to be more mindful of the foods being promoted during these high-profile events.
Disclaimer: The findings of this study are observational and should be interpreted within the context of overall diet and lifestyle choices. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized nutritional advice.
