Gary BennettAssociate professor of psychology & global health, Duke University; director, Duke Obesity Prevention Programwww.garybennett.infoVideo: http://ondemand.duke.edu/playlists/45/gary-bennett-obesityBennett, a clinical psychologist and social epidemiologist, is an expert on obesity, weight loss and physical activity. Quote:"With all of the competition for our attention these days, marketers are trying harder than ever to reach us on Super Bowl Sunday. Last year more than 11 million people watched the Super Bowl and this year companies will be paying up to $4 million for each 30-second spot."This year, as with every recent Super Bowl, you can expect to see numerous ads from food industry leaders -- companies like Budweiser, Pepsi, and Frito-Lay. In 2011, 28 percent of the ads shown during the Super Bowl were from snack food and beverage companies. In 2012, you can expect to see even more food ads. "Food industry advertising has come under attack from federal regulators and some in the scientific community, because of mounting research evidence of its influence on our waistlines, particularly among children."Bennett said here are some things to watch for this Sunday:-- "You can guarantee that most commercials will show vastly larger portion sizes than you should consume. One serving of Doritos is only 11 chips. After three servings, you will have eaten a quarter of your daily calories -- and that's before you get to the pizza." -- "Most snack food ads show people eating directly out of a container. In 2011, Doritos had three Super Bowl ads, all of which showed people with their hands -- or their heads -- in the bag. This probably isn't something that you want to try at home. Studies consistently show that you'll consume more calories when eating directly from the container, compared to when you put a serving into a bowl."-- "And watch out for the size of those containers. People will almost certainly overeat when pizza boxes, large bowls of wings, and huge containers of chips are placed, buffet style, on the coffee table. Instead, serve food from another room, placing appropriate servings directly on your plate."-- "Sugar-sweetened and alcoholic beverages account for a large proportion of Americans' excess calories. Beverage companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Budweiser are all Super Bowl veterans with many memorable ads. A Super Bowl isn't complete without an appearance from a Budweiser Clydesdale. Just try not to drink like one. Four cans of beer or soda have as many calories as a Big Mac."-- "There are a few other reasons to watch your plate on Super Bowl Sunday. Research consistently shows that you'll eat more calories when eating in groups, eating quickly, eating while watching TV, and eating after watching food ads."-- "Don't be surprised if it feels like Super Bowl food ads are trying to pique your senses. Marketers know that you'll be more likely to buy their products when they show you images of happy, attractive people snacking on visually appealing foods while in social situations. It just so happens that those same types of images can lead to overeating, particularly if you're a man or someone who is dieting."
