Junk ads on your Television are one of the main reasons for increase in childhood obesity rates. As per new study conducted by Kaiser Foundation, a non-profit organization, effect of junk ads is more on 8-12 year old children as they are not able to distinguish between ads and TV programmes. So it is not good to allow junk food ads during TV programmes which are aimed at children.
The study found that kids get exposed to over 18,000 ads each year with over a third of the ads for junk foods. 8-12 age group children are exposed to as many as 21 ads per day. Teenagers are exposed to 15-17 junk food ads per day. Most of these ads are not about fruits or vegetables, but about foods which are advised by nutritionists as not good for health.
Courtesy: SFPix.com
Childhood Obesity statistics:
More than 30% of children are over weight of which 15% are Obese. Obesity is more prevalent among boys than girls.
A study of 13 industrialised nations suggests that children of Australia are worse affected by these fast food ads.
Childhood Obesity is taking epidemic proportions as children are taking more unhealthy diet with little exercise. Diabetes especially type II is on rise in children as they are taking more junk diet. Children who are taking more junk diet are at risk for diabetes, heart attack and stroke in later life at an early age.
Prevention of Childhood Obesity:
1. Governments should ban or limit ads on junk food.
2. Governments, teachers and voluntary organizations should increase awareness among children on the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.
3. Parents should take care of television viewing habits of their children.
4. Parents should encourage their children to do more exercise.
5. Parents should act as role models to their children as kids try to imitate them.
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