Advertising and Obesity

Advertising is only part of the reason there is a high level of obesity these days. Ads are extremely persuasive, and we are subjected to them all the time from a very young age. Certainly they would account for some people craving junk food and impulsively buying it as a result, but obesity is a combination of several factors. Although many food ads promote unhealthy eating habits, it's up to the individual viewing them to decide to follow the bad examples set by the media. In the case of young children, they may not know what they are seeing is bad for them, so it's primarily their parents who set the example by taking them out to fast food restaurants, choosing quick pre made meals as opposed to making wholesome balanced ones, etc. As the children get older and have their own money to spend, they make their own decisions of what they want to eat. Yes advertising would sway their decisions, but the point is, it's about how individuals are raised, and how they are personally that makes them buy unhealthy items. If they are introduced to healthy eating habits early they will eventually adapt them into their own lifestyles, choosing when to give into the pressure of advertisements or not.

Class can also be a factor. According to this article poverty can lead to obesity because those with a minimal income can't afford to buy and prepare proper meals, leaving them with unhealthy alternatives. Also, society itself has become increasingly inactive, part of the lazy attitude of the modern lifestyle, resulting in more people being out of shape.

Advertising can definitely help prevent obesity. If there were more ads promoting healthy lifestyles and food choices at least that would help combat the barrage of junk food promotion, and show people that there are enjoyable, healthy alternatives to what they may be craving. Because advertising is such a powerful, ever-present force in our society, it could help raise awareness about the risks of being overweight, and present people with actual solutions for this. 

Although I understand advertising is all about making people want to buy products, the food industry can get carried away with how they depict food in order to entice people to eat it. For example, this blog shows the differences between the advertised fast food and the real thing. If these items were shown as they really are, people would not want to go out and buy them. 

Still, the consumer is the one who makes the final decision about what to consume, and how much of it.  Ads have their influence, but the person and their environment really determine their chances of being obese or not.