Banning fast food ads ‘would slash childhood obesity’
Banning advertisements for fast food would substantially reduce levels of childhood obesity, it has been claimed.
A new study conducted in the US has aimed to illustrate how damaging such commercials can be to youngster’s health.
The researchers have pointed out that scrapping fast food ads would reduce the number of obese youngsters by 18 per cent and older children by 14 per cent,
Lisa Powell, a researcher at the University of Illinois, noted that around 23 per cent of commercials viewed by children are food-related, which means young people potentially see such ads tens of thousands of times a year.
A 2006 report from the Institute of Medicine, said the link was a realistic possibility, but concluded more proof was needed.
Study co-author Michael Grossman, from City University of New York, said that the research was "evidence of that link".
McDonald’s has referred questions about the findings to the National Council of Chain Restaurants.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with obesity
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