| How is child obesity linked to fast food? This is a | | | | value could result in an increase in weight gain of |
| question that is often been asked. They are a | | | | upwards to 6 pounds a year. If children make |
| multi-billion dollar business that has had | | | | fast food restaurants as their place of choice |
| tremendous success over the years, therefore, it | | | | physical exercise needs to be incorporated into |
| is fair to say that they are here to stay. The | | | | their daily routine. In order to burn off the amount |
| biggest reason is the convenience, it is ready | | | | of calories from a typical meal one would on |
| "fast", and - since we are in a hurry - nutritional | | | | average need to walk 3 miles at 5 miles per hour. |
| value is compromised. Our lifestyles have changed | | | | That's a lot of exercise for the convenience. |
| over the years we live in a hurry up society. The | | | | Child obesity is also linked by advertising. |
| industry understands this which is why there is a | | | | Restaurants are notorious for luring children with |
| drive through window. In most cases you can find | | | | toys included in meals. This is not the only form |
| a convenience restaurant within two miles of your | | | | of advertisement targeting children. Television |
| home or work. You can't blame the restaurants | | | | advertisement promoting these restaurants are |
| for making themselves available it is good | | | | aired during key hours of the day when most |
| business. How is child obesity linked? convenience. | | | | children watch television. Exposure to television |
| Is child obesity linked because of nutritional value? | | | | advertisement influences their tendency towards |
| You bet it is. Most of the foods served at fast | | | | obesity. Children are not equipped to understand |
| food restaurants have been through a processing | | | | the difference between commercial |
| period. This process involves the mass production | | | | advertisement and information. |
| of food in factories that add artificial and natural | | | | It's Your Choice! |
| flavors to ensure that the food tastes the same. | | | | Fast food restaurants have made a gallant effort |
| As a result of this process nutritional value is lost. | | | | to address the obesity issue by offering healthier |
| The finished product is high in fat, calories, sugar, | | | | food choices. They are not going to stop their |
| salt, and lower in fiber. In other words, in one fast | | | | advertisement techniques or alter their main menu |
| meal, you can consume almost as many calories | | | | items. After all, this is how they became so |
| and sodium and more fat than you should | | | | popular and business is business. Choosing to eat |
| consume in a day. Since most restaurants offer | | | | at these restaurants is a decision that we make |
| the option to "super size it" and the cost is | | | | on an individual basis. Our children need to be |
| minimal people eat more than they should. How is | | | | educated on the dangers of unhealthy food |
| child obesity linked to fast food? Poor nutritional | | | | choices and the long term effects of childhood |
| value. | | | | obesity. We need to step up to the plate and do |
| Why is child obesity linked? There have been | | | | something about it. It isn't going to be done for us. |
| studies conducted on what children eat and where | | | | Is obesity linked to fast food? Ask yourself that |
| they eat. Surprising results indicated that | | | | same question the next time you are pressed for |
| restaurants was the place of choice over 25% of | | | | time and looking for the convenience of a quick |
| the time. Knowing that they have little nutritional | | | | bite to eat. |