Are Burgers to Blame for Obesity Rates Among Hispanic Children?
by Jessica Mendoza – Beehive Producer, PIC Network Contributor
Did you know that childhood obesity rates are the highest among Hispanic boys and girls? Statistics show that Hispanic children are more obese, but why? Are fast food commercials contributing to the shocking rates of obesity among Hispanic children?
Courtesy of Yogi
A 2006 study found that 26 percent of Hispanic children were obese by the age of three, compared to 16 percent of African-American children and 15 percent of Caucasian children.
The leader of the study, Robert Whitaker, said, “By 36 months, it’s clear that Hispanic kids are at a significantly higher risk of obesity than other children, and we don’t really know why.”
So, who’s to blame?
New research from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center suggests that the growing number of fast food commercials on Spanish-language TV stations may contribute to the obesity rates among Hispanic youth.
Researchers reviewed 60 hours of programming from 3 pm to 9 pm on Univision and Telemundo. They found these stations averaged two to three food commercials each hour, with one out of three targeted at children. Almost half promoted fast food, and more than half advertised foods with high sugar content.
Sure, the Hamburglar is a suspicious-looking fellow, but fast food is probably not the only culprit in obesity rates among Hispanic children.
An article published by the Hispanic Communications Network, also suggests certain cultural factors may play strong roles. According to the article, “Within the Latino culture, having a ‘heavier frame’ is more acceptable socially than among other cultures.”
What can you do?
Obese children are more likely to suffer from additional health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. So parents should act now:
- Get tips on eating right, as well as healthy recipes, from the Latino Nutrition Coalition.
- Limit the amount of TV that your children watch each day. The Hopkins research team suggests that young children should only watch two hours or less each day.
- Talk to your children about the importance of eating healthy.
- Visit our sister site, The Beehive, for tips eat healthy and losing weight for kids.
For more information on childhood obesity, please visit these sources:
