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Science & Medicine

Athletes and their deals to endorse not-quite health foods

Serena Williams' endorsement deals had the worst scores, as measured by their Nutrient Profile Index. Her food and beverage endorsements include Oreos, Nabisco's 100 Calorie Pack Snacks, "Got Milk?" and Gatorade.

Serena Williams’ endorsement deals had the worst scores, as measured by their Nutrient Profile Index. Her food and beverage endorsements include Oreos, Nabisco’s 100 Calorie Pack Snacks, “Got Milk?” and Gatorade.  (Los Angeles Times; Mark Ralston / AFP/Getty; M. Spencer Green / Associated Press)

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Professional athletes have been endorsing products for years -- Bruce Jenner was featured on boxes of Wheaties way back in 1977. But these days, such deals are often tied to foods and drinks that are high in calories and added sugar and low in essential nutrients, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics. Curious about which athletes are endorsing less-than-healthful products? Click on.

Peyton Manning

NFL quarterback Peyton Manning has endorsement deals with four food and beverage brands, including Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Nabisco and Wheaties Fuel. During the period studied, he was featured in 25 commercials for food and drink items -- more than any other athlete.   (Jack Dempsey / Associated Press; Los Angeles Times; Tim Boyle / Getty Images)

Lebron James

Along with Serena Williams and Peyton Manning, NBA star LeBron James was one of “the highest contributors to the marketing of unhealthy foods,” according to the study. James’ endorsement partners include McDonald’s, Glaceau’s Vitaminwater, Sprite and Powerade.   (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images; Paul Sakuma / Associated Press; Daniel Barry / Bloomberg )

Tony Stewart

NASCAR driver Tony Stewart has endorsement deals with McDonald’s, Burger King and Coca-Cola.  (Chuck Burton / Associated Press; Spencer Platt / Getty Images; Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty)

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