Kids Obesity on our Culture

By:Matej U, Cory O, Kevin W

 

Through this project we have learned a lot about the effect of television ads on children obesity in United States.  In the articles that we read we assessed that the media industry is responsible for the weight gain of children ages 8-15, due to television viewing. The studies suggested that children of this age watch over 20 ads per day, of which half is food related. Due to children having technological advancements throughout the years, television has become a necessity for kids to see what food they like, and what they don’t. From this they decided that fast food is good.

 

As a result of fatty foods being advertised by cartoon characters, these low nutritious and high calorie foods have become the number one choice for kids. This fact has been proved by many studies of which Keiser Family study is one of them. According to this study 35% of all television advertisements during children shows are candies and snacks. If 35% were fruits or vegetables America would be much healthier than it is now.  

 

 

After researching this topic we found out that the media is indeed poisoning our kids with unhealthy food advertisements. Our opinion is that the media is after profit and isn’t worried about the health of our kids’ futures. On the other hand there are documents like these to influence the parents to make a change in their kid’s life. Hopefully this will promise a brighter future.

 

Sources:

 

Burros, Marian. "Report Links TV Ads and Childhood Obesity." New York Times.com. December 6, 2005. The New York Times. May 23, 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/06/business/media/06cnd-kids.html?ex=1291525200&en=c81a1eea871613b1&ei=5090.

 

Keiser Family Foundation. "The Role of Media in Child Obesity." kff.org . February, 2004.

http://www.kff.org/entmedia/upload/The-Role-Of-Media-in-Childhood-Obesity.pdf

 

Associated Press."Report: TV ads contribute to child obesity."msnbc.msn.com. December 6, 2005

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10346448/%20

 

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Letter to the Editor

 

By: Cory, Matej and Kevin

 

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Sheboygan Falls High School

220 Amherst Avenue

Sheboygqan Falls, WI 53073

 

 

 

The Sheboygan Press

632 Center Ave.

P.O. Box 358

Sheboygan, WI 53081

 May 26, 2007

 

Editor:

 

 

As young citizens of this community we could not miss that kids all around the county are becoming more and more obese.  We are concerned that parents are not getting enough information about this topic.  This is why we are writing a letter to inform everyone on our opinions. 

 

After doing various studies we concluded that kids are being subjected to unhealthy food from TV.  Research has proven this topic over and over again. This is not right and should be changed immediately. 

 

Advertising and the media is not worried about the health of our children.  They want money for themselves.  The only way to make a change is by taking actions through parents and organizations.   

 

Currently there are organizations that are aware of this problem.  They include, Keiser Family Foundation and the Institute of Medicine.  This is a start but we need more support. 

 

If there is no more action taken our kids will suffer consequences including trouble breathing, heart conditions, and lowered life expectancy. Parents and future parents think of your kids and do the right things to keep them healthy. 

 

 Sincerely,

Cory O.

Matej U

Kevin W.

 

 

 

 

3rd hour