Actually, I take back that title. I was not a fat kid. I mean, I had my weight issues but I was entirely opposite of fat. I was even a child model -- fancy that.
Interesting article over on Advertising Age, though: http://adage.com/article?article_id=132718
What are they saying? According to a new study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research - funded by the National Institutes of Health - a ban on fast food advertisements to kids could cut childhood obesity by as much as 18% in ages 3-11 and 14% in ages 12-18.
In the meantime, fast food companies, who are already required to spend 50% of their ad dollars on promoting healthy living, are arguing the parents are the decision makers here. Are they just trying to protect their rights to advertise and practice business as they wish? Yes. Do that have a point, though? Perhaps...
I mean, no kid is getting to McDonalds without a ride from mom or dad or big sister. Aim a TV commercial at the kiddies all you want; parents are the ones spending the money on products and providing the means to acquire it.
BAN fast food advertising to kids? I don't know... I mean, I totally see their point but then, my mom and dad didn't really allow fast food too often and I still turned out the way I did... There must be other avenues to explore that would help combat childhood obesity. I think we need more physical activity programs and healthier food in school cafeterias. Better education so that children, as they age, are better equipped to decide for themselves what to eat and how to exercise. Better health care and more health-related tax incentives. Show me THOSE statistics. Show me statistics on programs that don't hinder business in a bad economy. Show me the statistics on programs that would likely create jobs and research and mental health and wellness.
Which is not to say, consequently, I would totally disagree on the aforementioned ban- I'm just saying I think there are other ways and better perspectives.
