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January 26, 2004
Fast Food = Fat Kids
I'm not anti-fast food, in fact I ate there alot when I was a teen because I worked at McDonalds. However, as a nation, our kids are getting fatter.
Fast Food Creates Fat Kids
The fats, sugar, and salt in fast food draw kids like a magnet, largely because they appeal to a child's "primordial tastes," explains Bowman. This taste triggers more eating later in the day. And, because fast food doesn't contain much fiber, kids don't feel full afterward -- so they eat more later. Large portion sizes served in fast-food restaurants further contribute to overeating and obesity, she notes. Fast food compromises a child's overall diet because it takes the places of better options, Bowman says. "Children who ate fast food ... consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages, less milk, and fewer fruits and nonstarchy vegetables." These protect against weight gain because they have more fiber, less sugar, and fewer calories.
Fast Food is not the only reason that kids are fater, but they do contribute. As do video games and an environment that promotes a sedentary life style. All in all, it's up to the parents to monitor what their kids eat and do and ensure that they are not over doing anything. Sadly, 10 month olds with size 36 pants and other obese children show that this just isn't happening.
Posted by Jesse at January 26, 2004 8:07 PM