Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the US, and findings from a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may suggest why. According to a new study, kids consume 12 percent of their calories from fast-food restaurants, and one in three kids eat fast foot on any given day.
The report suggests that children eat the equivalent of a small hamburger every day, said Kristi King, a senior clinical dietitian with Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
“It’s part of our fast, go-go culture,” King said.
Sandra Hassink, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, likens current fast food advertising to the smoking advertisements in the 80’s, saying advertisers are doing a good job catering to young audiences.
“It’s very well-advertised, and the marketing is working,” said Hassink, who wasn’t involved in the new report.
Fast Food Report
Here are some additional findings from the CDC report:
- Kids between the age of 12 and 19 received 17 percent of their calories from fast food.
- Adults got about 11 percent of their calories from fast food.
- Children between the ages of 2 and 11 years old received about 9 percent of their calories from fast food.
- Children who ate a lot of fast food tended to consume more calories but have a more nutritionally poor diet.
King said that taking a little time to plan meals and snacks can help you avoid a quick stop at a fast food restaurant.
“It takes a few extra minutes to do some prep work,” King said. “Have snacks available so that, when you pick up your child from school, they’re ready. Have apples, grapes, whole grain crackers, string cheese sticks. My mom used to put stuff at eye level in the fridge or on the counter for me.”
Dr. Silverman comments
It’s not much of a surprise that kids are getting more and more of their daily calories from fast food. There seems to be a McDonald’s or a Burger King on every street corner, and our busy lifestyles mean more parents are reluctant to cook after a long day at the office.
Meal planning is a great way to avoid fast food restaurants. If you have some spare time, prep multiple meals so you don’t have to prep food on a nightly basis. Package up some fruits and veggies, and make a meal plan for yourself so you aren’t tempted to swing by a fast food joint yourself. Plan your meal a day in advance so you don’t leave work at 5 pm wondering what you’re going to eat.
Being a parent is a full time job, but don’t cut corners by skimping on healthy meals. Ensure your child is getting a well-balanced, nutritional set of meals every day.