In the past few years, childhood obesity has grown from being a personal health issue to a public health issue.
And today, it is fast becoming a political issue.
Way back in the 1980s, this is what a fat kid looked like.
(Bonus points to anyone who recognizes Chunk from “The Goonies”)
Today, Chunk would almost be slim by comparison.
Not only are today’s fat kids fatter than ever, their numbers are swelling as well.
In 2006, the CDC said that “the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 more than doubled in the past 20 years, going from 6.5% in 1980 to 17.0% in 2006.
The rate among adolescents aged 12 to 19 more than tripled, increasing from 5% to 17.6%“.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, research also shows that there is an 80 percent chance an overweight adolescent will become an obese adult.
But maybe, you’re not a numbers person.
If that’s the case, and this data isn’t enough to grab your attention, take a look at this train-wreck:
Clearly, we have a problem.
What to do, what to do…
Well, according to researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research, a ban on fast food advertisements in the United States could reduce the number of overweight children by as much as 18%.
Should the U.S. pursue that path, they would follow Sweden, Norway and Finland as the only countries to have banned commercial sponsorship of children’s programs.
This new research builds onto the findings of the 2006 report issued by the Institute of Medicine.
That report:
- Indicated that there is compelling evidence linking food advertising on television and increased childhood obesity
- Recommended congressional regulation of television food advertisements aimed at children
- But also said that the link that would definitively prove that children had become fatter by watching fast food commercials could not be made.”
Michael Grossman, co-author of the NBER study, say that “our study provides evidence of that link.”
The Link between Fast Food TV Advertising and Childhood Obesity
Alright, problem solved.
TV fast food advertising is the villain.
So, what now?
Now we just need a champion to step in and kick a little corporate butt.
Let’s see, who can we get….hmmmmm, who would be a good choice?
Wait, I know!!!
That’s perfect!
Let’s unleash Tipper on those evil fast food and television executives and our childhood obesity problem will disappear faster than the cake at a fat kid’s birthday party.
Okay, I just happen to have her private number right here….dialing……it’s ringing…….someone’s answering…..and…but….but….I see….well..but….ok…thanks anyway…
Sorry people, Tipper’s too busy helping her husband eliminate global warming to help us eliminate childhood obesity.
We’re on our own.
So what do we want to do?
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Oh GOSH that video is hard to watch. When it’s over, and they show a list of related videos, there is one of a 7 year old that weighs 400 pounds! It must be genetic.
I think there should be a ban. At least a ban on the ads during childrens tv programs.
I agree that there would have to be a reduction in obesity among kids if they aren’t bombarded with pictures of colorful, cartoon covered, sugary foods, so they won’t be kicking and screaming to their terrible parents that don’t know how to say “no” as much.
Good post. A ban might help, a significant number of people still smoke despite all measures.
In the end, parental involvement (restricting junk food, educating kids and being role model) is the key. Somehow we must get it across that it is not someone elses job to raise the kids.
We in the U.S. are not in the mood for another restriction on our freedom of speech. Thank God for our Bill of Rights.
Think of government power and freedom as one of those old-fashioned balance scales: The more power in government hands, the less freedom the people have.
Dr. Hubbard has the solution.
-Steve
As much as I love Scandinavian politics on this point I disagree. TV advertising is a symptom of todays junk food society not the cause. Lets stop pushing subsidised, read cheap, carbs on people and that might solve the problem.
My nephew came home with a Happy Meal coupon last year for reading 10 books during the school year. How is a ban on fast food advertising going to help with underfunded schools that will take revenue sources like this? I think a stop to subsidies to wheat, soy, and corn might really help cut down on obesity. Almost all processed and fast food have at least two of these three heavily subsidized ingredients.
“Lets stop pushing subsidised, read cheap, carbs on people and that might solve the problem.”
“I think a stop to subsidies to wheat, soy, and corn might really help cut down on obesity. Almost all processed and fast food have at least two of these three heavily subsidized ingredients.”
- Just because advertisements aren’t the biggest cause of the problem doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be thought about, and perhaps considered a contributor to the problem. Of course looking at subsides at a big part of the problem is a good idea, but that doesn’t mean that ads don’t deserve to be looked at.
“My nephew came home with a Happy Meal coupon last year for reading 10 books during the school year.”
- Isn’t this a form of advertising?
Well it was the Reagan administration that allowed that policy through. Before then they were never allowed to advertise to kids. I do agree that the way they go about it is quite sick. My main point is why worry about the smaller issues here when the big one is the subsidies on grains.
obesity is really a big issue now among kids.kids are tempted towards fast food by the ads and refuse to take healthy meals.i do agree to the fact that these kinds of ads must be banned.