Obesity in Our Youth

Marketing plays a central role in the rise in childhood obesity. On average, one food commercial is shown every five minutes during Saturday morning cartoons. Young kids are exposed to endorsements from junk food companies with every click of the remote. This manipulation is obvious but extremely lucrative — and the trend is growing.

Since 1960 the number of kids who are overweight has tripled; childhood obesity is now described as "epidemic" by the medical community. Additionally, it’s estimated that 80% of adolescents who are overweight will remain so into adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls the costs associated with childhood obesity "staggering."

Nationwide, 84% of middle schools and 58% of elementary schools allow the sale of soda or other sugar-laden drinks on their grounds. In the Ector County and Midland Independent School Districts, the number are reported to be slightly lower than the national average.  There have been numerous attempts by big-name food brands to identify themselves with a healthy, active lifestyle. Many toys are co-branded with the junk food industry; fast food establishments lead the trend by including movie-related toys in their kids’ meals.

This barrage of marketing unhealthy foods to kids requires awareness and interception from parents.  We suggest parents help kids connect healthy eating habits with more energy and physical fitness.  We would like nothing better than to have all Permian Basin kids and parents spending hours visiting our site; however, for the betterment of our youth - make sure they are getting more physical exercise than hand exercise from clicking the mouse.