Hello
I found this really cool article on how listing the calorie count on fast food menu can lower the calorie intake for kids ages 3-6. McDonalds actually did research on about 99 parents and had them choose between a menu that had calorie counts and one that didn't. The research showed that parents who had the calorie count in front of them choose about 102 less calories than the parents that couldn't see the calorie count. This just goes to show that parents are really investing in their children's future. Childhood obestity affects a large amount of Americans everyday and the number is only increasing.
Childhood Obesity can not only lead to physical problems but mental ones as well. Gorwing up I was never a small kid so I understand the mental challenges a child who is overweight faces, and it's not easy but a lot of it has to do with parenting. With that being said it's good that parents are starting to play a more active role in their child's future. Parents need to keep in mind that they have to eat healthy as well because the parents are setting an example for their child(ren).
The article goes on to say that there was research done in Washington DC regarding the same subject of childhood obesity. This research surveyed about 10,000 customers at 275 restaurants. So the article was very interesing and a good read. Lastly the article has a cool digram on the left hand side where it has a child and if you click on various parts of the body it explains how childhood obesity affects that part of the body. Just click here and try it out for yourself.
Leya
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Hey Leya,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get to the link about the article or diagram but from what you've said, this article sounds like a good read. I think it is really important that parents pay attention to what their child(ren) eat because eating habits as a kid tend to carry over into adulthood. Parents are definitely role models for their children and it is important to set good examples for their kids.
Especially having fast food menus that offer lower caloric items available to the public will help push our nations desire to lose weight. I think if children see food labels and nutritional information at a young age, they will grow up being more aware of what they are consuming. That will most definitely pay off in their future!
-Nina
I think that it is a great idea for fast food chains especially to have calorie counts. Its easier for a parent to take charge and order for their younger kids and figure out what is healthier. I agree with Nina, that if kids begin at a younger age to look at calories and figure out which are the healthier choices, then they may stick to the healthier options in their diets and grow up to be health conscious.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that its parents who play a major role. The reason the kids are not getting exercise may be because the parents dont have time to take them to the park or to drop them off at their friends house to play. It is important for parents to make sure their kids are getting the required amount of exercise and use up their energy as well as making sure they are getting healthy meals and snacks. Thinking about that I think parents need to do the foodshopping without the kids since kids only see the commercials about the salty and sugary snacks and drinks which make them nag and beg for them at the store. Hopefully parents will read these articles and listen to Michelle Obama and make the change for healthier growing kids and teens