Tropes

Livescience_2013 02565.txt

#Fast food Ads: Kids Seeing Less on TV, More on Social Media BOSTON Fast-food chains have made some improvements in their menus and marketing practices over the last few years but these changes are likely not enough to reduce the overeating of high-calorie foods by children and teens according to a new report. In good news fast-food TV ads viewed by children ages 6 to 11 decreased 10 percent between 2009 and 2012 according to the report from researchers at the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity. And most fast-food restaurants now include some healthful side options such as fruit and vegetables in their kids'meals. Mcdonald's automatically includes a half-portion of apples in their child meals the report said However in 2012 children and teens still saw three to five fast-food ads on TV daily the report found. And fast-food chains have stepped up their advertising on social media websites and mobile phone devices which are popular with young people. 10 Ways to Promote Kids'Healthy Eating Habits The progress really is mixed said Jennifer Harris director of marketing initiatives at the Rudd Center. While traditional TV advertising has gone down there are a lot of other ways restaurants are reaching children now said Harris who presented the report here today (Nov 5) at the meeting of the American Public health Association. The researchers recommended that fast-food restaurants limit their children's TV and Web advertising to healthful foods only. The industry should also set age limits on its social media and mobile marketing they said. And most kids'meals should be changed to meet national nutrition standards the report said. As of February less than 1 percent of all kids'meal combinations (33 out of 5427 possible meals) met nutrition standards according to the report. The new report is a follow-up to a 2010 study by the same researchers. For the update the researchers examined menu items and advertising practices of 18 top fast-food restaurants in the United states. Among the findings: While some fast-food chains have added healthy sides there needs to be more effort to include wholesome main meals with more whole grains and vegetables and less saturated fat said Marlene B. Schwartz director of the Rudd Center. Follow Rachael Rettner@Rachaelrettner. Followlivescience@livescience Facebook&google+.+Original article on Livescience n

< Back - Next >