The influence of social media food marketing on body mass index among college students: public health and media perspectives

Frontiers in Communication, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: March 26, 2025

Background Social media marketing (SMM) has become a powerful tool for influencing food-related decisions among young people. By actively engaging users with targeted, interactive food content, it shapes individual preferences and consumption patterns. This study examines the impact of SMM on obesity development within sample college students, highlighting how these strategies may contribute to dietary choices that affect long-term health outcomes. Methods used cross-sectional design recruited students from different colleges in large university UAE. An online survey was conducted gather participants’ sociodemographic information included an 18-item questionnaire explore influence SM students’ behaviors. Obesity measured through body mass index (BMI). Results In total, 448 participated this study; 127 (35%) were male 291 (65%) female. The mean BMI 28.86 ± 5.73 kg/m 2 more than half participants ( n = 255, 56.9%) classified as obese. three most commonly platforms TikTok (41.1%), Instagram (16.3%), WhatsApp (11.4%). Most 427, 95%) reported platform impacted their decisions. Two-thirds (65.8%) believed or dishes received likes/shares healthier 49% followed about consumed celebrities/influencers shared SM. Compared non-obese group, obese/overweight likely be first year college, habitually using daily decision-making, had screen time >4 h, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Awareness campaigns should therefore focus utilizing positive promote healthy behaviors, provide accurate nutritional knowledge, support lifestyle student/young adult population.

Language: Английский

Nők és férfiak egészségmagatartása a digitális térben: tények, trendek 2021-ben és 2024-ben - reprezentatív, lakossági minta eredményei alapján

Acta Medicinae et Sociologica, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(39), P. 48 - 68

Published: Nov. 29, 2024

Introduction: The health and illness behavior of women men is an important area study in the sociology health. Digital solutions have impact on these phenomena as well. Methods: Our research based 2 representative population-based questionnaire surveys, which were done 2021 (n= 1500) 2024 (n=1100) respectively. In our we used descriptive methods to analyze online health-related information seeking behavior, digital options tools. Results: results show that although continue make a higher use some such e-prescription telemedicine, gap between has decreased other areas transferring data, while took lead smart device use. Population data for indicate resources also narrowed significantly. Summary: shows clear female dominance both searching using solutions. By 2024, differences significantly, become part everyday life. This indicated by almost 80% awareness e-prescription, appointment booking EESZT.

Language: Английский