Forget the marketing. Where are the parents? November 21, 2008
Posted by melmont in current events.Tags: advertising, Burger King, McDonalds, National Institutes of Health, obesity, Wendy's
trackback
The National Institutes of Health says that fast food advertising should be banned when directed at children. This would cut obesity rates by 18%.
Why is the advertising world responsible for what children eat? Yes, fast food advertisements make the food look fresh, juicy and delicious (although I’ve never actually had a burger and fries that ever looked as good as the commercials), and kids’ meals come with toys and games. But do the advertisers drive the kids to the restaurant? Do they pay for the food that kids consume? Do they feed them this meal instead of fruits, veggies, and lean meat?
The answer to all of these questions is no. Parents are the gatekeepers of family eating habits and consumption. Parents are there to instill good eating practices and active lifestyles. The media has been accused of increasing sexual activity among teens, of glamorizing cigarette smoking, and now this.
It’s not like it’s a huge secret that fast food isn’t good for you. McDonalds puts their nutrition information on food wrappers; Burger King offers nutrition information on their website; and so does Wendy’s.
I could go on and on, but I have a headache, and I have to wrestle the remote out of my boyfriend’s hand before I have to watch another sports show. My point is, we know that fast food is not good for us, even if the nutrition information isn’t so readily available. Advertising does not trump parenting; it doesn’t give you an excuse to feign ignorance and pretend like something fried in grease and doused with salt isn’t bad for you or your kids. The fight against obesity starts with good education, good eating habits, and good exercise options–all of which are available regardless of whether fast food companies advertise to your children.
Totally agree with you on this. It’s essential for a young child’s eating habits by parents. The earlier you incorporate a healthy diet in your child’s life, the more likey those eating habits will be with them for the rest of their life.
http://athleticpedia.wordpress.com/
K.C.,
Thanks for checking out the blog. It’s relatively new, and as I’ve stated, I don’t have the same breadth of knowledge as someone who’s been in the health field. I do think it’s important for parents to step up and take control of their children’s lives. It leaves them healthier, happier and well-adjusted to grow up in homes with rules, even if it’s about as something as simple as eating habits.