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Mass Media and Obesity

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Mass Media and Obesity
Mass Media and Obesity
The media in today’s society has shown its advantages and disadvantages in order to attract a certain group of consumers. People are exposed to advertisements every day and everywhere. Ads and campaigns are seen by simply walking down the street; posted on walls, boards, and store windows. Even while driving, advertisements are on billboards in areas where there is heavy traffic. The most popular way companies are selling their products is by doing TV commercials. Most households have a TV nowadays; people use it for entertainment and know about the latest news happening around the world. Unfortunately, there are times where the media can be a detriment to our society. People can become vulnerable to things that seem to be a necessity at first, but can be realized to be only a want. Food is an important factor that our body needs in order to function. Some are healthy while others not so much. The obesity rate in the US has become an epidemic. Those who are counted as obese tend to develop unhealthy lifestyles, such as bad eating habits and not being physically active. Fast food chains and restaurants tend to serve foods that are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Unfortunately, people do not see enough commercials that are about nutritious foods and being active. Instead they see commercials that have foods that are visually appetizing, while hiding the truth about its facts. The media cannot be a scapegoat to explain as to why the obesity rate is increasing, but it can potentially contribute to people developing unhealthy lifestyles. Each individual has the power and choice to not purchase a certain item. Companies have to advertise their products in order to make revenue. It is all business.
Obesity is an increasing epidemic in the United States. It is not only adults that are overweight, but also children. McDonalds is an example of targeting children, and obese children still eat it. It is well known that the food at McDonald’s is very



Cited: Arnas, Yaşare Aktaş. "The Effects Of Television Food Advertisement On Children 's Food Purchasing Requests." Pediatrics International 48.2 (2006): 138-145. Academic Search Content Analysis Of Food Advertising On General Market And African American Television." Journal Of Nutrition Education & Behavior 37.4 (2005): 191-196. Academic Search Premier Hyunjae (Jay), Yu. "Parental Communication Style 's Impact on Children 's Attitudes Toward Obesity and Food Advertising." Journal of Consumer Affairs 45.1 (2011): 87- (2007): 809-820. Academic Search Premier. Web. "Policy Statement--Children, Adolescents, Obesity, and the Media." Pediatrics 128.1 (2011): 201 -208. Academic Search Premier

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