The large increases in the prevalence of cigarette smoking and obesity in the 20th century are associated with changes in tobacco and food products, as well as social and physical environments that support or discourage smoking, unhealthy dietary intake, and sedentary behaviors. This paper focuses on several of the primary factors responsible for the increase in cigarette smoking and examines whether those factors might also be involved in increased childhood obesity rates in the United States.
Keywords: Commodity foods, Digital marketing, Fast food, Food advertising, Food formulation, Food outlet, Restaurant, Self-regulation, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages
Focus Areas: Food Marketing, Healthy Communities, Nutrition Policy & Programs, Pricing & Economics
Resource Type: Journal Article
Related Research
May 2026
Ultraprocessed Foods in the U.S.: Recommended Definitions and Policies
Despite growing interest in ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), there is not consensus on how to define UPFs for policy purposes. To meet this need, Healthy Eating Research convened an expert panel to develop evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers and advocates interested in advancing policies to limit UPF exposure and consumption at the local, state, and federal levels. MoreMay 2026
Beyond Added Sugar Reduction: A Narrative Review of Policies to Address Nonsugar Sweeteners
This perspective provides policymakers, advocates and researchers with a description of proposed and enacted policies that assist consumers in identifying products with nonsugar sweeteners (NSS) and/or reduce NSS exposure. Consumption of NSS is associated with multiple chronic diseases. NSS exposure is increasing as food and beverage manufacturers replace added sugars with NSS. This narrative review MoreApril 2026