Peyton Manning Is Making You Fat, Study Says

A new study basically says that athlete food and beverage endorsements are awful.

By Sallicio via Wikimedia Commons

By Sallicio via Wikimedia Commons

A new study published in the journal, Pediatrics, which is the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, titled, “Athlete Endorsements in Food Marketing” has some interesting stats. First, let’s examine who the subject of the study is: athletes. These people are in peak physical condition, and are envied by pretty much everyone on the planet for their physique, athletic abilities, and bank accounts. So when someone in the best shape in the world is scarfing down Papa John’s Pizza, or McDonald’s, or a can of soda, it can”t be bad for them, right?

According to the study, whose authors are from Yale University, 23.8 percent of athlete endorsements are from the food and beverage category. In the study sample (512 brands endorsed by 100 different athletes), 79 percent of the athlete-endorsed advertisements were energy-dense and nutrient-poor. And even worse, 93.4 percent of the 46 advertised beverages had 100 percent of calories from added sugar. 100 percent!

Who are the worst offenders? Both Peyton Manning and LeBron James had the most endorsements for nutrient-poor products. The other athletes rounding out the top five were Serena Williams, Joe Mauer, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

How much does LeBron James make by endorsing McDonald’s? About $5 million dollars. What’s really strange about all of this is that because athletes are in such great shape, they have a wonderful opportunity to promote healthy eating and products. But instead they act selfishly and choose the products willing to pay them the most money. As if they need it.

The good news is that no Boston athletes made the list, not even the top 10. What food items are Boston athletes endorsing? Dustin Pedroia has salsa (healthy when made right) and coconut water (great for hydration). Rob Gronkowski has his Gronk Flakes, but we forgive him, especially since he may be returning soon.