Are Fast Food Contributing to Unhealthy Eating Habits and Obesity of Children?
By josefina
@josie_ (10032)
Philippines
February 16, 2017 7:08pm CST
Health researchers from Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity spend more than a year compiling data on 12 of the U.S. biggest fast food chains and discover that over the years, advertising that TARGET 2-18 YEAR OLDS continue to INCREASE.
Why are these ads directed at children?
Because as market research statistics have proven, children can sway their parents who often give in to their request to eat at fast food restaurants. In many families, eating unhealthy fast food has become routine.
Advertising isn't only confine to media, They are also envolved in special events like school and civic activities for children, where you find their logos prominently displayed. The ultimate goal of fast-food marketing to children (the younger the better) is to create BRAND AFFINITY. The constant exposure to advertisment will ingrain the idea in their young minds that this is the normal eating habit for today's lifestyle.
Next time you find a toy inside a "happy meal", Just know these are not for the benefit of your children but for fast food corporations investing on THEIR FUTURE CUSTOMERS.
Photo:flickr
9 people like this
11 responses
@shaggin (72262)
• United States
17 Feb 17
I think it is more of the parents letting them eat junk all the time. My kids and I eat at McDonald's once a week because it is low cost and they are not even close to fat or obese. People can eat at fast food restaurants once in awhile and will be perfectly fine. Everything is about moderation.
4 people like this
@josie_ (10032)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
@shaggin _ Eating habits have change to fit today's lifestyle of both parents working. Home cooking have been replaced by take-outs. Child obesity is now a global epidemic. It is estimated that over 41 million children under 5 yrs. old are obese or overweight. 23 million of those children are in the US.
2 people like this
@brokenbee (11090)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
Yes, I think it contributes to obesity and unhealthy eating habits not only to kids but also to adults. We easily have access to these high fat and high cholesterol foods. And most kids prefer these foods now.
2 people like this
@brokenbee (11090)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
@josie_ Oh yeah! I remember when my nephew had camping. Their food was catered by a fast food chain. Hihihihi!
2 people like this
@josie_ (10032)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
@brokenbee _ Even in school activities, prepared lunch for children come from fast food restaurants.
2 people like this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
it's so common to see students (preschool to college) in fastfood outlets, food courts, and convenience stores now, when you're in public transpo, you also see parents taking them home.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
19 Feb 17
@josie_ here in my neighborhood there are so many eateries now. people don't seem to want to cook and wash dishes anymore, and always have the cash to pay for their meals.
@josie_ (10032)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
@hereandthere _Signs of the times. It's today's lifestyle that is changing our eating habits but we should make an effort to provide healthier meals for our kids.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10032)
• Philippines
19 Feb 17
@hereandthere _If I happen to be alone because my family is somewhere else, I sometimes buy my meals from a nearby carinderia.
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (52079)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
My eldest nephew is not fat but I'm worried because he's highschool he still could not afford himself to eat vegetables. Unlike his sister though. I fear it would lead him to have serious sickness or illness by the time he gets interested in vegetables.
People should be more careful what they eat. At least eat veggies three times a week.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (10032)
• Philippines
17 Feb 17
@Letranknight2015 _As a child I was also not fond of vegetable. I was sickly until I took up sports and learn about proper nutrition. Of course during those early years there were no "fast food" restaurants.
@thelme55 (77164)
• Germany
24 Feb 17
Yes, they are. I think also that parents should not let their children often eat junk foods. I have never seen plenty of Filipino fat and obese children when Filipino children was still eating the normal Pinoy snacks. With the birth of McDonald's and Jollibees, kids are getting fatter and some have already diabetes.
1 person likes this
