Excessive Rate Of Childhood Obesity - 1836 Words

Abstract The excessive rate of childhood obesity is an issue in America that can no longer be overlooked. There are various global and moral factors that contribute to this problem, however the largest factor is the positive marketing of unhealthy and non-nutritious foods put forth by food companies that are specifically aimed at America’s innocent and fragile youth and adolescents. Many forces, including Michelle Obama along with Congress, are trying to put an end to the marketing of these unwholesome foods. This is an issue that has gone on for too long in this country, and could be stopped many different ways, including something as severe as the banishment of food marketing towards children altogether or as little as a ban on toys†¦show more content†¦While many of these companies argue that it is the parents responsibility to watch out for what their child eats, further investigation proves that it is not always that easy for the parents. To combat the growing nu mber of obese children in the United States, food companies should impose cut their advertising budget in half, create lower calorie menus, and have bans imposed that regulate the advertisement of certain products. As a result of the constant marketing of unhealthy, saturated fatty foods towards a younger demographic, America’s youth is rapidly becoming obese as they are left defenseless against these multi-billion dollar companies. According to the Annual Review of Public Health, about â€Å"35% of American children are overweight or obese† (Harris, 212). Children who are obese are more susceptible to an entire life full of medical problems and complications. Reports also indicate that the numbers of obesity have been on the rise for the past couple of years. In addition to that, â€Å"in the next 25 years† the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes â€Å"is expected to rise by 36.5% in the United States† (Harris, 212). This is a staggering number that should not be taken lightly. Measures need to be taken in order to prevent numbers from reaching critical levels such as this. There are many ways that food marketing effects the health levels