Preventing Childhood Obesity

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There is evidence suggesting that food advertising causes childhood obesity. Recent study found that “companies spend $15 billion per year on marketing and advertising to children under the age of twelve. Furthermore, the average child annually sees approximately forty thousand television ads; collectively children influence $500 billion in annual spending on advertised products, including food” (Brownback, 2200). To inform decisions on whether to restrict advertising opportunities, we estimate how much of the childhood obesity prevalence is attributable to food advertising on television

Childhood obesity is associated with various health-related consequences. Obese children and adolescents may experience immediate health consequences and may be at risk for weight-related health problems in adulthood. Therefore, we should preventing obesity from infants. There are evidence for a programming effect of breast feeding in preventing obesity and being overweight in later life. Recent research found that “the longer babies are breastfed, the less likely they are to become overweight as they grow older. Breastfed babies are 15 to 25 percent less likely to become overweight. For those who are breastfed for six months or longer, the likelihood is 20 to 40 percent less.” (stanfordhealthcare ,web).

In conclusion, the growing issue of childhood obesity can be slowed, if society focuses on the causes. The most important being the parents supervising the children at home in both food choices and exercising regularly. If parents enforce a healthier lifestyle at home then many obesity problems could be avoided.

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