By now you probably realize that the obesity epidemic in the United States isn't just an adult issue. Fast-food diets and sedentary lifestyles are contributing to the alarming prevalence of obesity among children as well. Kids who are building their meals around unhealthy foods continue to do so through adolescence and adulthood -- resulting in serious health problems over time. Understanding what unhealthy foods are popular among kids and how to promote better eating habits are vital to reshaping their relationship with food.
Fast Food
Fast food gets a major share of the blame when it comes to unhealthy eating among kids. Relying on these quick fixes regularly fills them with calories, fat and salt. Fast-food companies use their advertising dollars to target kids, and research shows their efforts are successful. A 2010 study from Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity found that marketing through television, the Internet and other media outlets spurs 40 percent of kids ages 2 through 11 to ask to go to McDonald's at least weekly. The study also found that older children are more apt to choose food from the regular menu instead of the kid-sized portions.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods and beverages are also unhealthy, yet popular, choices for kids. In fact, sodas and desserts such as cookies are two of the top five calorie sources for children, according to 2010 research appearing in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association." The study found that sugary items like these are part of the 40 percent of empty calories that make up kids' daily caloric consumption. Over 11 percent of their daily calories comes from sugary drinks alone.
Health Effects
The consequences of eating these unhealthy foods are profound. Diets high in empty calories contribute to the growing epidemic of obesity among children. This puts kids at risk for serious chronic diseases, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, at an earlier age. Poor diets can also negatively impact cognitive functioning. A 2011 study in the "Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health" found that kids who eat high-fat, high-sugar diets may be at risk for lower IQs, while those who eat healthy foods may have higher IQs.
Healthy Recommendations
Making changes in your kids' diets is essential while they are young, because behavior change is even more difficult as they get older. Teaching your children about nutrition and getting them involved in meal preparation are ways to support healthy eating habits, according to Karen Ansel, an American Dietetic Association spokesperson and registered dietician. Ansel recommends making mealtime a family event instead of a time to watch television. Don't focus on the negatives about unhealthy foods, because that can steer kids toward desiring those choices. Promote the benefits of healthy eating instead.
References
- Yale Office of Public Affairs & Communications; Fast Food Restaurants Dish Up Unhealthy Marketing to Youth; Researchers Release Unprecedented Report on Fast Food Nutrition and Marketing; November 2010
- University of Rochester Medical Center Newsroom; Sugary Beverages a Major Culprit in Childhood Obesity Epidemic; October 2010
- "Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health"; Are Dietary Patterns in Childhood Associated with IQ at 8 Years of Age? A Population Cohort Study; Kate Northstone, et al.; February 2011
- Kids Eat Right; Does TV Influence What Your Child Eats?; Susan Moores, MS, RD
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