 Research into food advertising showed that 9 out of 10 televised food ads aimed at children promoted foods high sugar, fat, sodium and saturated or trans fats. While some disagree saying advertising has changed (research was based on viewing from 2005 and 2006), most health professionals would say that any change that has occurred is not enough.
It’s not just kids that are being targeted with these unhealthy ads. Think about the last time you sat and watched TV. How many food ads did you see? Last night during an hour or so of viewing I saw ads for candy, bigger-than-life-multi-layer burgers, and sweetened beverages, and these are just the ones I remember. Good thing I’d eaten dinner, or I’d be tempted to jump in my car to get the double-beef-burger-philly-something-or-other…oh, and don’t forget the special sauce and fries with that. No wonder so many people have problems with snacking while watching TV, they are bombarded with temptation and food reminders every 7 minutes. You can’t help but think of food!
Have you ever noticed that when you’re busy (and no, watching TV is NOT considered busy) or involved in something, you don’t really think about eating? You know the old saying, ‘Out of sight, out of mind’? Maybe we should all turn off the TV more often… or at least leave the room when the commercials come on. We’d all be thinner for it!
- Renee Labels: Childhood Obesity, Health, Lifestyle Change, Renee
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