Comments on: News Nugget: Fast food ad ban could cut childhood obesity

By: FatFighter

FatFighter — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:18:40 +0000

I agree, Lisa – starting at home is a better answer. Plus I don’t really think they can pull off the ban on fast food bans, anyway. I will head over to IA…

By: LisaNewton

LisaNewton — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

I saw this article, but I think starting at home is a better answer. Parents role modeling healthy habits is the best way to keep kids on the healthy track.

BTW, I started a discussion on this very topic over at Iowa Avenue…………..:)

By: FatFighter

FatFighter — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:16:57 +0000

So true, Discipline or Regret – and it’s gotta start young!

By: Discipline or Regret

Discipline or Regret — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:58:08 +0000

I think it might help a little but I still think that most of the problems lie with teaching the fitness lifestyle at school and parents educating their children.

If people were educated with the truth in schools eventually generations will be less ignorant.

By: FatFighter

FatFighter — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:47:00 +0000

I hear you, Dr. J, especially in this case, because I don’t see this happening anytime soon.

Wow, Cathy – shows the ads work, huh?

Lisa – that rule needs to come back!

You’re right, Dr. Hubbard – it totally starts with parents.

Yes, Kathleen – there are definitely other things besides TV ads in the mix. We’ve got a long way to go!

And Sheri – good point. Maybe some day?

By: sheri effres

sheri effres — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:02:48 +0000

I agree with the last commentator. The ban would more than likely never happen. The advertisers are determined to directly reach their target customers. It would be great if these advertisers were limited to nighttime TV, for example, after a certain hour. I think the effects would be dramatically different if that were the case.

By: Kathleen Moriarty

Kathleen Moriarty — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:38:50 +0000

Banning TV ads will help, but it would never happen in the US. Even if it did, TV ads are just one part of the puzzle. Advertising and marketing is EVERYWHERE. It’s impossible to avoid. (Ads are all over the internet, in print media, on busses, in subways, all over people clothes and athlete’s uniforms etc. etc.)

This is how I break it down to clients and students: when is the last time you saw an ad for apples, broccoli or spinach? NEVER. Watch prime time network TV and see what all the commercials are for: soda and fast food. Ugh!

By: James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:39:09 +0000

Banning might help, but parents are still the key. It has to start from the top.

By: Lisa @ Serah's

Lisa @ Serah's — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:13:34 +0000

I can’t remember where I read it or saw it on TV but the report I read/saw said that kids actually have the most influence in the dinner decisions in the household and this study seems to back that up if they aren’t showing those ads because it makes kids want that food.

I watched those ads all the time but the rule in my house growing up was mom and dad cooked. Eating out for us was a treat and nothing a very often occurrence.

By: cathy

cathy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:06:22 +0000

I can totally believe this. Advertisements are powerful – especially with kids. Even though we talk about how commercials are meant to try to make you want something – even things that aren’t good for you – my son still gets sucked in by every commercial he sees. He thinks that Chuck E. Cheese is good for you because they have their sponsor ad before PBS shows! Ugh. Thank goodness no Chuck E. Cheeses for hundreds of miles here.