NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE, BODY MASS INDEX, AND PUBLIC ATTITUDES ABOUT OBESITY

This study investigated change in and effects of exposure to news media coverage of the obesity epidemic. Investigators compared self-reported news media exposure between two Research Triangle Institute obesity surveys and examined interactions between exposure and body mass index (BMI) on beliefs about the causes of obesity and support for childhood obesity prevention. We found that higher exposure and BMI were each individually and in combination associated with beliefs about the causes of obesity and support for prevention. For instance, those with higher BMI and exposure were more likely to believe that societal factors cause obesity. This research has implications for media advocacy, social marketing, and policies to promote obesity prevention.