Media Influence On Childhood Obesity

In the modern day of America a new pandemic is on the rise. Childhood obesity has become a serious problem for the youth of America. The rise of obesity in young children is increasing at a frightening rate! As reported in 2014, 1 out of every 3 child is either overweight or dangerously obese (Kids Health). Many people put the blame on the child’s parent’s dietary decisions. Not having enough education on whether a salad with grilled chicken is a better choice to feed kids than a deep fried “chicken nugget”. A lot of anti-fast food organizations point their finger toward fast food companies such as McDonalds who sell “healthy” kid meals to little kids. The media plays a huge role in contributing to the problem by advertising such meals to

Influencing and manipulating in the media, specifically commercials, has been going on for decades! Between the time periods of the 1950s through the 1970s, subliminal advertisement was the new thing. Companies like McDonalds secretly advertised ]

Johnson

In these segments, a picture of the cigarettes would flash upon the screen for a millisecond to a second. Since then, commercials have been more regulated in content. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Now companies are targeting the young kids by advertising during kid television shows and introducing products, such as Burger King’s Satisfries. Burger King’s new fries are advertised as a healthier alternative to their older fries. Commercials such as Burger Kings, “Get Satisfried” commercial influence the youth to purchase the new “wholesome” potato fries.What is the difference between the two? Nothing, they are fried in the same grease that the fries and other fried food are prepared in. These fries are put into the children’s kids’ meals and sold off as healthy when they are just a carbon copy of their “older” fries. Statistics reveal that kids see about 400 to 500 advertisements a year. Major chains including McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, and KFC advertisements in the last few years have had a few positive developments such as some healthier sides and beverage in most restaurant kids meals. In fact, 2012 the fast food industry has spent $4.6 billion in advertisement targeting the youth. At least 3% of all kid combo meals have met the Children Food and Beverage Standard and Kids Live Well nutrition standards. Although there are standards to advertising through the media, only 3% is not good enough to combat