Social Media Advertising And Childhood Obesity

Fast food marketing has contributed substantially to childhood obesity. Fast food restaurants are everywhere for children. These companies continue to spend billions advertising mostly unhealthy foods to children and teens. “The researchers found that just six fast food companies are responsible for over 70 percent of all television ads viewed by children and teens” (Taft). Social media advertising has proved effective at engaging children because children are interactive and these ads are spread through networking platforms. Fast food restaurants spend $4.6 billion on advertising in 2012- eight percent more than in 2009 (Taft). These industries sway people to buy these high-calorie foods and often they do. Fast food industries target low-income

Community plays an important role in childhood obesity. This includes the environment around children along with other factors like location, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Environment factors are those that surround the children to influence their food intake and physical activity. Community’s lack of accessibility and affordability of health food can affect the nutrition of these children (Karnik). A lack of accessibility and affordability of health food are a problem for children in low-income communities. It can be difficult for children to make healthily food choices and gain physical activity when they are exposed to environments in their home and community that influence bad food choices. “A parent might not recognize that a child is obese because the child may look like all the other kids in the neighborhood, or even slightly thinner”

Schools are a key place for fast food industries to market for children. Companies spend $150 billion marketing foods and beverages in elementary, middle, and high schools (“Food Marketing in Schools”). Fast food restaurants make sure their restaurants are easy walking distance from elementary and high schools. “The researchers say that pattern probably exists in urban areas nationwide and is likely contributing to the nation’s obesity epidemic” (“Associated Press”). Food marketing is a key role in the national obesity crisis that faces American children today. Fast Food industries connect use of social media to target young children today. They use tactics such as giveaway vouchers and toys to engage a young audience. All they have to do is “Like” companies’ Facebook page or sign up for twitter feeds, in exchange for premiums such as toys and discounts (Thaichon). Social media exposes them to unhealthy food choices. Another connection is low-income communities have a greater availability of fast food restaurants, especially near schools. This creates a higher percentage of low-income communities to face childhood obesity. “In low-income communities where places to play and supermarkets may be scare, it can promote consumption of low nutrition and fast food and little to no physical activity” (“Michigan Health