Exposure to Fast Food Advertisements is the cause of your Fast Food cravings
Fast food advertisements are all around us and affect our daily consumption
“I’m lovin’ it!” Have you heard it before? People of all ages are familiar with this slogan for the famous fast food franchise. Wonder why people always crave fast food? Advertisements for fast food are all around us and people are unaware of the consequences that occur after consumption of fast food.
Children are exposed to all kinds of media from a very young age due to the rising popularity of phones, televisions, computers, and more. Studies have shown the food industry spends more than $12 billion each year on marketing aimed at persuading U.S. children to consume more food products. This helps fast food companies start advertising to kids early on, causing them to develop bad habits at an age where they are too young to understand what they are being manipulated in to. After research it has been proven most children under age 6 cannot distinguish between programming and advertising and children under age 8 do not understand the persuasive intent of advertising. By using bright colors and including toys with kids’ meals, companies draw young children into eating fast food which negatively impacts their health.
Fast food consumption at a young age is bad for health, especially young children, and can lead to bad habits such as intense cravings. The ingredients used in fast food are usually bad quality and can cause several health issues. Mendoza and co-investigators found that only 3 percent of the kids’ meals offered at these eateries met seven key standards set by the National School Lunch Program for meals intended for children in kindergarten through third grade, and of the meals that failed to meet the School Lunch guidelines, more than 65 percent had too much fat. What’s more, 75 percent had too little calcium, 82 percent had too little iron, and 85 percent had too little vitamin A. The so called “kids’ meals” are not favoring children’s health and by the year 2000, 16 percent, roughly 9 million U.S. children, were estimated to be overweight. Another 15 percent of children were considered at risk for becoming overweight.
Although people know fast food is not the best option, the majority of the people in United States tend to ignore the fact that it is not beneficial for them and consume it because it is convenient and appetizing. We do not think deeply about what we put in our bodies. The nutritions gained by what is consumed frames the body. Consuming foods that are not beneficial to our body systems can lead to serious health risks and this is why society should take into consideration the consequences of fast food and not be influenced by fast food advertising. As a member in a community, that builds up the society, bringing awareness and considering health before comfort would be the first step to a healthier generation in the country.
Cindy Um | May 30, 2019 at 8:55 pm
I totally agree with your main point that advertising fast food to the children are actually negatively impacting our society and also it is so relatable since people know how fast food is not their best fit for their health, people still crave for it and this should really be a considerable topic since we are living in this same society. I was very interesting article:)
Mr. Comer | May 29, 2019 at 10:16 am
I really enjoyed this article, however one additional factor that should be accounted for is the generally low price of fast food. A 2013 Harvard study suggested through a meta-analysis of multiple studies that healthy diet and meal options can cost a family about $1.50 more every day (article here: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/healthy-vs-unhealthy-diet-costs-1-50-more/), which can certainly add up over several weeks and months. Many families purchase fast food due to convenience after long hours of work and due to the lower prices of many of these items. Unfortunate as it is, this advertising is powerful for families that need a low price option for feeding everyone. I would say that families should make sure that they are educated to know the nutritional information of fast food items and make healthy choices at fast food chains even while they see and hear all of the advertisements.
Mrs. Taggart | May 29, 2019 at 8:39 am
Great job, Paige!
Kat Hattori | May 28, 2019 at 9:29 pm
A really interesting article, I had no idea that once you eat fast foods, you can get an intense craving afterwards! Shows how manipulative the industry can truly be. Also love how you merged two important topics into one article, very informative!
Tori Nicolas | May 24, 2019 at 12:21 pm
This is really interesting. I always knew fast food was bad but never took action and was really aware of it. I didnt know advertisement has a big factor on fast food cravings.
Dimitri Shatov | May 24, 2019 at 8:21 am
I think it’s good to raise awareness about the presence of advertising and the way these companies use it to manipulate young children. While it’s fine to have fast food once in a while, it’s important to be aware of the tactics fast food companies use to get you to spend more and more often.
Shana Yousef | May 23, 2019 at 3:45 pm
Being aware of false advertising from fast foods is is really important and made me more aware! I did not know whenever we eat fast food, we get intense cravings that make us want more. This was really interesting!!
Anusha Allamsetty | May 23, 2019 at 1:56 pm
i liked the opening line of the article and the point is very true. the manipulative nature of advertising is pervasive not only in the fast food world but in every other industry. fast food is a great example to show how powerful advertising is because it is well known that it is harmful to your health but people still regularly consume it. great article!