In an era marked by rising concerns over childhood obesity and unhealthy dietary habits, governments worldwide are increasingly analysing impact of advertising on children’s food choices. This case study delves into a pioneering initiative undertaken in collaboration with a federal government agency in the GCC to quantify the impact of fast-food advertising on children’s consumption patterns. By leveraging advanced data analytics and partnering with media agencies, our consultancy embarked on a multifaceted analysis to unravel the nexus between advertising exposure and dietary preferences among children.

Monitoring Media Content: Central to our study was the comprehensive monitoring of media content targeted at children across various platforms, including television, cartoons, movies, and social media channels. Working in tandem with leading media agencies, we used various Natural Language Techniques (NLP) to meticulously cataloged and analyzed advertisements promoting fast-food products, assessing their frequency, content, and reach among the target demographic. This granular understanding of advertising exposure formed the cornerstone of our subsequent analysis, providing invaluable insights into the prevailing media landscape and its implications for children’s dietary behaviors.

Surveying Families: Complementing our media monitoring efforts, we conducted extensive surveys targeting families with children spanning diverse demographics, geographic locations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through structured questionnaires and interviews, we elicited valuable feedback on children’s exposure to fast-food advertising, their consumption patterns, and parental perceptions of the impact of advertising on dietary choices. This rich trove of qualitative data served as a crucial complement to our quantitative analysis, offering nuanced insights into the interplay of socio-cultural factors and media influences on children’s dietary preferences.

Quantifying Influence: Drawing upon the wealth of data collected, we employed sophisticated regression modeling techniques to quantify the influence of fast-food advertising on children’s consumption behaviors. By delineating the causal relationships between advertising exposure, brand recognition, and dietary preferences, our regression model provided a robust framework for assessing the magnitude and direction of advertising effects. Through meticulous parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis, we elucidated the differential impact of advertising across demographic segments, media channels, and product categories, shedding light on key determinants of children’s food choices.

In conclusion, armed with empirical evidence on the impact of advertising, we generated actionable insights to inform evidence-based policy interventions aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits among children.