Cartoon Characters and Childhood Obesity
It is difficult to fight childhood obesity when children see their favorite cartoon characters on so many unhealthy food items. Food companies know that children will seek out the product with the pictures of characters they are familiar with. Unfortunately, these foods are high in fat, calories, salt, and have little nutritious value. These companies know that moms will usually take their child/children with them to the grocery store. These companies know that children will naturally be attracted to familiar characters they have seen on TV and movies, and argue that they must have that product. Most times, moms will give in rather than have the argument or tantrum that will follow.
Recently a survey found that two-thirds of consumers felt these types of characters should be banned from any unhealthy food. Research tells us that children actually think the product with the cartoon character actually tastes better. Children do not understand that companies are out to make the sale. Children do not understand that companies are using them to buy their products, and children do not understand that their favorite cartoon character would be on any product that would hurt them.
Many organizations, including the the American Psychological Association, have wanted these companies to stop this practice. If the food companies do not voluntarily change their promotional antics, it is felt that the government should step in to help save children from continuing this epidemic of childhood obesity, which is increasing children’s Type 2 diabetes, asthma, social discrimination and heart disease.
There is one and only one cause of childhood obesity.
Lack of good parenting. Period.
“…children will seek out the product with the pictures of characters they are familiar with.”
Well, duh! Flintstones vitamins and vitamin enriched breakfast cereals have been doing it for years.
(Oops. Everything that uses cartoon characters in it’s branding and marketing is supposed to be “unhealthy”. Sorry, I forgot.)
This is getting old. We need to quit trying to find scapegoats and start taking responsibility.
Quit trying to find excuses people. Obesity is not a function of what we eat or what’s on the package, it’s a matter of HOW we eat and HOW MUCH we eat. It’s not the big evil corporations fault that little Johnny is a tub of lard. It’s Johnny’s and his parents fault. Get over it and start taking responsibility!
John is completely right. I also think that the biggest problem is lack of will and motivation and not the cartoons. Child needs someone to tell him what is good and healthy for him and what is junkfood and also someone who will set an example. I if parents eat junkfood the children will also eat junkfood, so dear parents take responsibility for your childrens health and looks and dont blame it on the cartoons!