Television Expanding Waistlines
Television is setting off an extremely detrimental chain reaction, occurring around the world. The common affliction being, obesity. As this epidemic grows, panic ensues and fingers are being pointed in attempt to uncover the culprit. Damaging behaviors conceived during the influential and venerable time of childhood can be blamed for the worsening situation. Nearly one in five adolescents are categorized as obese (Pearson et al. 317-323). Generally, obese children become obese adults unless something drastic is done to prevent it. Television manipulates minds and expands waistbands with subliminal advertising, and the promotion of an unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits; all effected by the amount of television …show more content…
Television leads to a compulsion to snack, or eat mindlessly (Liang, Kuhle, and Veugelers 2457). As the amount of programs and channels expands, more opportunities are present to induce pseudo hunger. The cooking channel, or simply watching characters on a show have lunch together, causes viewers to reach for the nearest snack. Specifically, people are eating more meals than necessary and larger portions than suggested; while consuming less fruits, vegetables, and fiber (Pearson et al. 317-323). Additionally, since children are not in taking enough vitamins and minerals, they are at risk of developing bone problems later in life. Bone health relies on the presence of calcium in the diet and due to poor nutrition, adolescents in particular are at higher risk of bone problems such as osteoporosis (Ramos et al. 1362-1367). Television envelops its viewers, and combining this action with snacking is dangerous. Overeating is a common affliction on todays society, and the foods being eaten are generally, “energy-dense foods, including those high in fat, sugar, and salt” (Pearson et al. 317-323). Perhaps if the food being consumed was broccoli or celery, the problem would not be as dire. But, a chain reaction is occurring. Unhealthy, over processed foods are advertised, children want them and parents buy them because, children and parents viewing television are more likely to be persuaded to buy the food product being advertised (Pearson et al. 317-323). Pantries are stocked with these foods lacking in nutrition, and since parents are less likely to enforce healthy eating behaviors, which are normally taught during family meals; children will gravitate towards the cookies and slowly, combined with over-eating, obesity ensues. Children rely on their parents to guide them, because without that guidance, they believe that eating food high in sugar, fat, and sodium is acceptable.
Television is setting off an extremely detrimental chain reaction, occurring around the world. The common affliction being, obesity. As this epidemic grows, panic ensues and fingers are being pointed in attempt to uncover the culprit. Damaging behaviors conceived during the influential and venerable time of childhood can be blamed for the worsening situation. Nearly one in five adolescents are categorized as obese (Pearson et al. 317-323). Generally, obese children become obese adults unless something drastic is done to prevent it. Television manipulates minds and expands waistbands with subliminal advertising, and the promotion of an unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits; all effected by the amount of television …show more content…
Television leads to a compulsion to snack, or eat mindlessly (Liang, Kuhle, and Veugelers 2457). As the amount of programs and channels expands, more opportunities are present to induce pseudo hunger. The cooking channel, or simply watching characters on a show have lunch together, causes viewers to reach for the nearest snack. Specifically, people are eating more meals than necessary and larger portions than suggested; while consuming less fruits, vegetables, and fiber (Pearson et al. 317-323). Additionally, since children are not in taking enough vitamins and minerals, they are at risk of developing bone problems later in life. Bone health relies on the presence of calcium in the diet and due to poor nutrition, adolescents in particular are at higher risk of bone problems such as osteoporosis (Ramos et al. 1362-1367). Television envelops its viewers, and combining this action with snacking is dangerous. Overeating is a common affliction on todays society, and the foods being eaten are generally, “energy-dense foods, including those high in fat, sugar, and salt” (Pearson et al. 317-323). Perhaps if the food being consumed was broccoli or celery, the problem would not be as dire. But, a chain reaction is occurring. Unhealthy, over processed foods are advertised, children want them and parents buy them because, children and parents viewing television are more likely to be persuaded to buy the food product being advertised (Pearson et al. 317-323). Pantries are stocked with these foods lacking in nutrition, and since parents are less likely to enforce healthy eating behaviors, which are normally taught during family meals; children will gravitate towards the cookies and slowly, combined with over-eating, obesity ensues. Children rely on their parents to guide them, because without that guidance, they believe that eating food high in sugar, fat, and sodium is acceptable.