It is a fact that America’s children are getting fatter and we are on the verge of obesity being an epidemic. The number of overweight children has tripled since 1980, and today. one in three American kids (ages 2 to 19) are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And in Georgia, where 1 million children are considered overweight, the situation is especially stark. The state ranks second in the nation for childhood obesity. These children are all at an increased risk for developing such diseases as diabetes and hypertension. In New York City, 1 in 5 kindergarten students, and 1 in 4 Head Start children, is obese. I knew we were getting fatter but I am truly shocked at the statistics.
This brings me to the state of Georgia. To combat their growing obesity rate among children, the Georgia Children’s Health Alliance launched it’s Strong4Life campaign with billboards and TV ads. As a result of the bluntness of the campaign, there has been much criticism from medical experts to the morning shows to the blogosphere on if the ads will work or will they prove harmful to kid’s self-esteem.
If you have not seen the ads, in one of the videos (see below), an overweight girl states “I don’t like going to school because all the other kids pick on me. It hurts my feelings.”
Another ad, shows an overweight boy asking his equally overweight mom, “Why am I fat?”
While viewing the ads, my daughter just happened to catch me watching the videos and asked “Mommy, am I fat?”
This freaked me out because my daughter is not fat and god knows, I actively ensure she is taking some type of physical activity at least 3 times a week. And while she does eat sweets, damn you, Baked by Melissa cupcakes, she eats at least a fruit or vegetable at lunch and dinner.
Now one of the criticisms of the ad is that it will make kids feel bad or worse about themselves and I would agree even before my daughter saw the ad. I just don’t think an ad like that is going to propel parents or children to make a change.
I am overweight and know how to eat and what needs to be done to lose weight yet, here I am. I am no expert but so many things have to change to get our kids back into fighting shape. Yes, parents have to do their part but school lunches are bad, taste horrible and not particularly healthy. We can not have schools selling the rights to packaged goods companies like Frito-Lay just to make money for the school and we have to ensure kids get their exercise during recess.
I also know that learning about good nutrition and exercise starts early and yes, you may disagree but schools can help. When my daughter was in day care, the School Director was adamant about the kids going to the playground EVERY DAY, even in cold weather and teaching the kids about healthy eating. At one point, she just out right banned donuts that parents brought in for breakfast. I’d like to think that my daughter got her healthy eating habits from me but I had help reinforcing it over the years.
In the end, the ad was a teachable moment for my daughter about the impact of eating unhealthy and how kids get fat but it does somewhat prove the point that ads may have the opposite effect that it is trying get across.
Do you think that people will change their eating habits from seeing an ad like the Georgia Anti-Obesity Ad?
I’m torn about the whole thing honestly. I was born and live in GA and have seen the rate go up not only since I was younger but since my daughter has been in school, she’s 8 now. Unfortunately most isn’t just a little weight either but first and second graders over 100lbs so I do think the state has a problem.
I’ve always sent my daughter’s lunches until last year when we had to do the discounted lunches for half the year, I noticed that my daughter gained 5 lbs in that time and you could tell it was all in her stomach (though I would never, ever point that out to her!) She’s felt more sluggish after lunch too so I didn’t realize the stuff was that bad. They also offer ice cream and fruit smoothies everyday, they do cost more. Though I must say I can’t take claim to sending the healthiest Jamie-Oliver-would-appove lunches myself but I try. The school also does have P.E. twice a week and the teacher always takes them outside after lunch if weather is nice. However this school is ranked a 9 out of 10 in GA so I’m not sure if all the school here do that.
I also think it can be such a fine grey line. You want your kid to be a kid and not worry about weight/health and you don’t want it to become negative and possibly be pushed towards an ED. I’ve struggled with weight all my life too and was the girl in the commercial, it got so bad I had to be taken out of public school and homeschooled. I still hurt from all the things that were said and done to me. I certainly don’t want that for my daughter. So what’s the best way to go about it? I know one of my biggest things is to never down myself in front of my daughter and talk openly about food and health with her. These ads are rather in your face but maybe that’s what is needed? I do think the one with the boy and his mom is a little harsh, I don’t think making the parents feel guilty, especially if they struggle with weight too, will help. Also GA is offering a lot more programs to the community which is awesome. Like just a few Kaiser Permanente offers are; Operation zero: weight management for children, Step into movement, KP Fit Kids and Art of healthy cooking which are all open to the public and most are free. So I think the state is taking steps and trying to help the community help itself.
I know I just want my daughter to grow up healthy, happy and live a good long life! Sometimes as a parent it that means I need a kick in the butt, help or to admit I don’t know everything (which I do of course haha) as long as it benefits her.
Its a tough call, I know. I agree with you on the dont make your daughter feel bad about herself. There are so many factors, I dont alway blame the parents because god only knows what happens when they go to school to your point about the school lunches.
You at least are making an effort which some parents arent even there yet. I dont know what the answer is but we do have to try to fix it.
I’m glad that commercial was at least a teachable moment for your daughter as you definitely don’t want her to get all self-conscious and think she’s fat! Great article.
Thanks
This is a tough call. I too think the ads may be to harsh, but that’s the thing; the reality is harsh. Aside from the criticism is there any word on if this campaign has any success?