Focusing on addictive and unhealthy advertising strategies used by food manufacturers, Danowski examines various themes within the book’s chapters. The book mixes positive, negative, and neutral topics, such as environmental sustainability and changes in food industry advertising to foster awareness of food addiction recovery. Within television commercials for Wendy's, McDonald's, Burger King, and other fast-food restaurants, Danowski seeks and identifies addictive, behavioral, emotional, and physical characteristics. Throughout, Danowski specifically follows World Obesity Foundations guidelines that are inclusive and respectful while addressing the complexity of obesity and its influences. Methodologically, she models her research after Beetham’s study of women’s magazines by using textual analysis and case studies to look deeper into the messages presented in commercials. Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.

Choice Reviews

“Happy Eating” and Food Addiction in American Advertising is a timely text that examines the food addiction behaviors featured in ultra-processed food advertising. From catchy commercial phrases to the use of iconic mascots the author brings to light the various ways advertisers communicate about food and why we should eat it. Grounded in careful analysis of fast food and processed food commercials, Danowski demonstrates the tactics advertisers use to suggest we purchase the food and then consume it. This book is a one-of-kind gem that left me critically analyzing the food I now put in my grocery cart.

Sarah S. LeBlanc, Purdue University Fort Wayne

In her timely new book "Happy Eating" and Food Addiction in American Advertising, Debbie Danowski provides a compelling examination of how food companies (aka Big Food) promote unhealthy, addictive eating through sophisticated advertising techniques. As an addiction physician specializing in food addiction, I found this book highly relevant to the growing body of food addiction research that is affecting millions of people world wide... Beyond the compelling content, Danowski's book is engaging to read thanks to her conversational tone and seamless integration of vivid historical advertisements, celebrity endorsements, and popular culture references. In summary, this well-researched book, replete with multiple citations, makes a vital contribution to understanding the forces driving America’s unhealthy relationship with food. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in food addiction or advertising’s role in public health.

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