study:U.S. Kids' exposure to soda ads doubled

U.S. children and teenagers are watching much more soda advertising than before, with blacks and Hispanics the major targets, according to a study published on Monday. The report, conducted by the Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, also found that many fruit and energy drinks, which are popular with teens, have as much added sugar and as many calories as regular soda. "Our children are being assaulted by these drinks that are high in sugar and low in nutrition," said Yale's Kelly Brownell, co-author of the report, "the companies are marketing them in highly aggressive ways." Children's and teens' exposure to full-calorie soda ads on television doubled from 2008 to 2010, fueled by increases from Coca-Cola Co. and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, the report found. Black children and teens were exposed to 80 to 90 percent more ads than white children. Hispanic children were exposed to 49 percent more ads for energy drinks and sugary drinks on Spanish-language television, and Hispanic teens viewed 99 percent more ads. In 2010, teens viewed 18 percent more ads on television and listened to 46 percent more ads on radio for energy drinks than adults. The American Beverage Association, whose members include soft drink companies, disputed the study's findings as it battles proposed taxes on sugary drinks and public health campaigns aimed at reducing consumption.