Weighty Words
Will using more precise terms to describe a kid's weight issue help docs address the growing problem of childhood obesity? That's the latest recommendation by a panel backed by the American Medical Association. By using the more medically correct term of "obese" when talking to families about this serious health issue, the medical community hopes to get their point across that being overweight is a serious health issue for children of any age. While the announcement admits that seemingly blunt terms may not be right to use in all situations and directly to the child, it does seem that trying to issue warm fuzzies when addressing weight issues isn't always the right approach. What do you think -- is this just calling it like it is and much ado about nothing or is it insensitive to a probably already embarrassed child? For more on this story and related iVillage resources, be sure to check out our featured news page and our new hot topic message board Weight Discrimination.
In related news, Kellogg announced they would be increasing the nutritional value of their popular cereals and snacks -- or stop marketing them to children. (Cereal just can't catch a break lately, it seems!) This comes after pressure from consumer and health advocacy groups ... and rumblings of a lawsuit, of course. The main concern is, again, childhood obesity, but is this marketing really the root of the problem? Most kids I know aren't out buying their own Pop-Tarts. Moms from the October 2006 Playgroup share their thoughts:
"We had ads for junk cereal when I was a kid 25-30 yrs ago. My mom didn't buy the cereal. We also went outside and rode bikes, swam at the pool or in the lake, played 4 square, basketball, tag, & a million other games. We didn't have air conditioning or video games. We weren't allowed to sit on the couch all day! I think all the efforts that are focused on children are a great idea, but pretty useless since they aren't (or at least shouldn't be) the ones making the decisions in their house!""While I do definitely think that it's the parents who need the most work when it comes to having healthy kids, the lack of advertising is at least a step in the right direction. It certainly couldn't hurt to stop it."
What do you think? Are you seeing evidence of the childhood obesity problem in your community? What are you doing to avoid it? Are food manufacturers and marketing to blame -- or is this solely a parenting issue?
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I don't think manufacturers and marketing are to blame, though they certainly don't help anything, lol. The blame instead rests squarely on the shoulders of the parents who are buying the sugary cereals, the Nintendos, the TVs, etc., for their kids and aren't making sure they eat healthy foods and get proper exercise. My own kids do admittedly eat sugary cereal - we all LOVE Malt O Meal's bagged version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch! - BUT they eat healthy foods the rest of the time, AND they spend LOTS of time playing outside and exercising. Neither is overweight.
I see it, everywhere, from 50lb 3yos to 300lb adults (I once crossed that line myself). As with TV programming, slutty clothing, raunchy music, for the most parents are in control of whether or not these things are purchased and enjoyed by their children. And far too many parents are worried that their kids won't like them if they don't let them have their way. My Mama didn't let me watch certain shows or movies. She didn't buy tons of junkfood. She didn't let us veg in front of the TV or Nintendo. She didn't let us dress like tramps. And, I love her to pieces! That's how I raise my kids. I'm not out to be their friend, I'm here to raise them to be healthy, strong, intelligent, thoughtful, giving, loving, independent individuals. If they don't like me for not letting them have that too-short skirt, those cream-filled donuts, that spun sugar in a bowl that passes for cereal, or the latest 50 Cent CD, too bad. My Mama always said if they scream they hate you, it means you're doing the right thing, lol.
This is entirely a parenting issue. Kids are spoiled and parents are lazy. It's easier for the whole family to stuff themselves with snacks and sit in front of the tv or playstation than it is to plan an activity and actually get up and move. How often now do you see a fat mom hauling around a bunch of chubby kids? VERY OFTEN! Just look around at how many times you see parents bribing kids with "treats" or snacks to do what they need them to do or to be quiet and behave. Don't blame the manufacturers, it's the moms and dads doing the buying. Yes, this obesity problem is squarely on the parents!
How about a little more personal accountability?! Your kid isn't overweight because of Toucan Sam or Tony the Tiger! Your kid is overweight because YOU bought and allowed him to eat too much sugary, fattening food.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for manufacturers making their products healthier, but they are NOT to blame for anyones kids being fat.
And NOW, snack makers have jumped on this bandwagon by saying they're going to sell smaller portion packs to "help people eat less" ?? WHAT?? So now we'll get, what, 5 chips instead of the crushed up 15 we now buy? Does that mean the average person will eat less? No way! They'll just grab TWO bags, or THREE to make up for it. It's like when my grandmother first went on reduced-fat foods, and read that her cookies had 1/2 the fat. She just giggled and said, "YAY! Now I can eat twice as much!" Um, that's NOT what that means, lol. Let the people police what we eat ourselves, please. I'm an adult, fully capable of deciding whether or not I can live with the consequences of eating that whole bag of Doritos. I'll even sign a waiver, just let me eat my nacho cheesy chips in peace! ;)