Do commericals make us fat?
According to a study released by researchers, including Shin-Yi Chou of Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and colleagues, a ban on fast food television advertisements would reduce the obesity rate among children.
Specifically, those between ages 3 and 11 by 18 percent, and those 12 to 18 by 14 percent.
And some researchers are now saying these findings have important implications toward regulating TV advertising.
It’s estimated that 23 percent of the commercials children see are fast-food related (which I would imagine is probably the same, if not more for adults.)
The study is going to be published in this month’s Journal of Law and Economics.
I do like that the study put things like family financial status, proximity to fast-food places and the possibility that the children were already overweight and inactive, regardless of TV habits, but I still think this research is too far reaching and could have negative side effects in terms of first amendment rights.
No. 1, I have to think that it’s more the watching TV than commericals that’s the real problem in terms of childhood obesity. I mean, for children to be healthier, get them outside, throw a ball, play hide and go seek in the house, but don’t blame TV for them being overweight. Maybe blame the parents who aren’t encouraging healthy lifestyles and just plopping them down in front of the idiot box cause it’s easier.
And tieing right into that point, let’s start taking responsibility for our actions instead of pushing the blame on someone else. Sure, advertisers are creating these commericals because they know how to appeal to people, but ultimately it’s the parent’s who are buying the cheeseburgers and fries and giving them to children, not the advertisers.
I’m also curious about what the other 77 percent of the commercials are geared toward. My guess, toys, children’s movies and places like Chuck E. Cheese. And yes, most children have plenty of toys, but are they shop-a-holics? No. And just like with toys, if a kid throws themselves down in Toys-R-Us, screaming to get a toy, my hope is that any responsible good parent would just say no and drag their screaming child out of aisle four.
So do the same with children. You want a happy meal? Sure, once in a while. Maybe as a special treat. But every day because you saw it on TV? Nope. Sorry, you’re getting the apple fries with mac and cheese (still on yesterday’s BK kick).
And if they throw a fit. Control it. That’s why you’re a parent.
