(2). Regulation of marketing strategies and food promotions or offers
Food companies see children and teenagers as a vast market opportunity, influencing consumer behaviour and creating brand loyalty since tender ages. While television advertising normally takes the bulk of the marketing budgets, nowadays advertisers are more creative and extend food advertisement to other platforms, such as music, video games, the internet or even in-store promotions to encourage product purchase, with a special focus on high-sugary drinks and foods (Harris et al., 2009). Evidence shows that advertising not only increases …show more content…
(2014) on a cross-sectional study showed a possible association between the neighbourhood fast food outlets density and body mass index (BMI) increment, with greater odds of obesity, particularly around workplaces. However, the study presented several limitations, preventing inference on casual associations between diet, environment and BMI. As a result, further research with more population representative samples and the use of longitudinal and experimental designs is in need (Burgoine et al., 2014).
(4). Investment in after school physical activities
Sallis and McKenzie (1991) state that the daily physical activity of an adolescent is mainly dictated by his or hers activities during the day including walking or biking to and from school, physical education classes and the activities organized at school (Sallis and McKenzie, 1991). Keeping children and adolescents involved in extracurricular activities may be one of the approaches to reduce sedentary time spent watching television, playing video games or even participating in risk behaviour activities (Robinson, 1999).
Studies show that long-term school-based physical activity has a positive effect on high-risk children, improving their overall fitness, confidence and social interaction (Burke et al., 1998).