Childhood Obesity Article, Essay Example

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Communications and Media has issued a report in which it blames the media for contributing to child and adolescent obesity and has asked the Congress and regulatory bodies to ban junk and fast food ads during kids’ programming. The report states that the fast food industry spent $4.2 billion on marketing in all forms of media in 2009. It further mentions that a study of 50,000 ads from 2003-2004 on 170 top-rated shows found that 98% of food ads seen by children aged 2-11 were for products high in fat, sugar, and/or sodium and low in nutritional content. The report does recommend video games such as Nintendo’s Wii Sports for their exercise value (The American Academy of Pediatrics).

The report makes useful suggestions but they have little prospects of getting passed as regulations. It’s the responsibility of the parents to look after their children and teach them healthy habits instead of the government. Even if the ads are banned, the government can’t close down fast food joints found almost at every street or stop parents from going there. Children may watch ads but in the end, they are still dependent upon their parents for such purchases. Parents may also set examples by decreasing their own fast food consumption and introducing children to more nutritional yet still tasty alternatives. Parents can also set house rules such as once in a week fast food treat. In addition, parents can introduce children to healthy entertainment such as dance and exercise video games that will appeal to children and at the same time benefit them, too.

Reference

The American Academy of Pediatrics. “Children, Adolescents, Obesity, and the Media.” Policy Statement. June 27, 2011.