According to Time, the researchers surveyed 3,342 teens and young adults, noting that obesity rates were higher among those who recognized more ads, compared to those who recognized fewer.
The article points to a statement made by James D. Sargent, a professor of pediatrics and of community and family medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine and The Dartmouth Institute, and a co-author of the study. “Individuals who are more familiar with these ads may have food consumption patterns that include many types of high-calorie food brands, or they may be especially sensitive to visual cues to eat while watching TV,” Sargent says.
Ready the full story, published 4/30/12 by Time.