Fast Food Advertising and Childhood Obesity - 1870 Words

Fast Food Advertising And Childhood Obesity A rise in obesity has been observed in the United States in the last two decades. Obesity is one problem that gives birth to numerous fatal diseases, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a survey and found that, â€Å"More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese† (Ogden, Carroll). One of the main reasons behind obesity is the American’s love for fast food. Fast food contains only a small proportion of essential nutrients, and is loaded with unhealthy and non-essential nutrients which do nothing but†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"The similar advertising bans already exist in some jurisdictions such as in Quebec (Canada) and few Scandinavian countries† (Dhar, Baylis 7). â€Å"Sweden, Norway, and Finland have banned commercial sponsorship of children’s program s. Sweden also does not permit any television advertising targeting children under the age of twelve† (Role of Media). â€Å"Quebec’s 32 years ban on advertising to children had led to $88 million annual reduction in expenditures on fast food and 13.4 billion to 18.4 billion fewer fast food calories being consumed per year† (Dhar, Baylis 2-10). Residents of Quebec have a very sedentary life, yet their obesity rate is comparatively lesser than the US. These figures indicate that the sanction on fast food advertisement can prove effective in lowering or curbing fast food consumption in the United States as well. A larger proportion of the US population leads a very active life. An active life combined with the proper and healthy diet may lead to significant reduction in the obesity rates. â€Å"Media and entertainment giant Walt Disney Cos has already banned junk food advertisements during its TV, radio and other online programs intended for children under the age of 12† (Heavey). Lawmakers and other opponents of this campaign may not agree to the effects of advertising on children and mayShow MoreRelatedFast-Food Advertising Causes Obesity Essay1395 Words   |  6 Pagesyouth or children who eat from fast food restaurants have a big risk for becoming overweight. Some research shows that greater familiarity with fast food advertising on television is associated with obesity in young people (Pediatric Academic Societies parag.1). It is known that these children and adolescents are being extremely exposed to fast food advertising including the internet, social media, and particularly on television. The marketer and owners of these fast food restaurants use many techniquesRead MoreFast Food and Childhood Obesity Essay1335 Words   |  6 PagesAdvertisement and Childhood Obesity ENGL/101-B25 Would you feed your children lard? The answer for most all of us is â€Å"No Way†. Most parents can safely say that they want healthy choices for their children and would never want to give them something that is bad for them. However, with many of the foods on fast food menus this is not far from the truth. We have all heard the statement that childhood obesity is on the rise, and has been for quite some time now. We have seen the heartbreaking storiesRead MoreChildhood Obesity Affects The Children s Emotional Health1717 Words   |  7 PagesChildhood obesity has been a crucial global concern for the past years, especially in the United States. Obesity within children has become a concern because it can develop multiple health risks. Although some of the health risks can be treated, there are many that could follow them for a lifetime. Some of the health risks could be minor, but many of the health issues are deadly. Childhood obesity has been related to affecting the major ity of the child’s main body systems. For example, childhoodRead MoreThe Intervention Of The Food And Beverage Markets Should Be Motivated By The Health Crisis Of Childhood Obesity1450 Words   |  6 PagesThe intervention of government in the food and beverage markets should be motivated by the health crisis of childhood obesity combined with market failures that have contributed to the problem. In this case, consumers might not make informed decision, resulting in higher weight outcomes. There are several policy alternatives which may change environment of food consumption and reduce obesity. Taxes and subsidies Adding a high tax on unhealthy food and beverages and decreasing costs of vegetatesRead MoreThe Effects Of Fast Food On Children991 Words   |  4 PagesThe impact obesity has on a child can become life changing. â€Å"According to the CDC if current trends continue, 1 of 3 U.S. adults will have diabetes by 2050† (Evans, W, 2006). Behind the mask of obesity is a child that falls into the trap of fast food advertisement. Overall, the fast food industry should be more socially responsible and not direct their marketing strategy of unhealthy food choices to children; this will cut down the percentage of children suffering from childhood obesity that leadsRead MoreThe Problem Of Childhood Obesity1261 Words   |  6 Pagesanswer is simple: fast food is convenient. Fast food restaurants are located just about everywhere, and it is extremely simple to find one on every corner. In his article â€Å"Don’t Blame the Eater†, David Zinczenko explains that growing up  "lunch and dinner†¦was a daily choice between McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, or Pizza Hut† (241). The author indicates that these are still the only available options for children to get an affordable meal. Zinczenk explains that fast food has not changedRead MoreMcdonald s And Obesity : A Big Part On Why Americans Are Obese1690 Words   |  7 PagesSummary: The case study on McDonald’s and obesity discusses how McDonald’s is a big part on why Americans are obese. McDonald’s is the most famous, successful fast food restaurant not only in the United States, but worldwide. This is because McDonald’s is convenient, affordable, fast, and located literally everywhere. Many individuals blame McDonald’s for being the ultimate cause of obesity in the United States. This is because McDonald’s targets young children by creating the happy meals and addingRead MoreThe Epidemic Of Childhood Obesity1216 Words   |  5 Pagesintervening in order to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity claim that, â€Å"parents who strive to keep their kids healthy may not have all the tools they need to do so† (â€Å"Childhood Obesity.† Issues Controversies). Therefore supporters agree that the government â€Å"should step in and enable parents to do the best job they can† (â€Å"Childhood Obesity.à ¢â‚¬  Issues Controversies). Joe Thompson, â€Å"director of the Rober Wood Foundation Center to prevent Childhood Obesity† claims that not all parents are able toRead MoreChildhood Obesity Essay943 Words   |  4 PagesIn order to impede the epidemic of childhood obesity, the actual causes of the problem need to be evaluated and dissected. Obesity in children is becoming a huge problem in American society. In the past three decades, the rate of overweight children has increased by 300%. This is an alarming rate that is only climbing higher. Every member in society should take steps to becoming healthier. This would help the present generations as well as future generations to come. The lifestyle of Americans keepsRead MoreChildhood Obesity : A Major Health Issue1314 Words   |  6 PagesChildhood obesity is a major health issue. The number of overweight children in the United States is at an all time high and rising at a steadfast pace. For us to understand the impact o f obesity and why we should prevent it, we will need to take a look at what has contributed to the epidemic in the first place. First we need to take a look at childhood obesity, even if children are slightly overweight and not quite obese at childhood, their childhood is laying the foundation for possible obesity