Junk Food: Just as Bad and Dangerous as Cigarettes (article & video)

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There are over 61.5 million children under the age of 14 in the US,1 and for American businesses, these kids represent one of the most powerful demographics to be captured.

Not only do these children spend $40 billion a year on snacks, toys, and electronics, using money given to them by their parents or family members, they also exert a powerful influence on their parents’ spending.

As noted in the documentary film Consuming Kids, children under 12 influence adult spending worth a staggering $700 billion a year, which equates to the combined economy of 115 of the world’s poorest countries.

The film also reveals the shrewd business practices of the multi-billion dollar marketing machine that has one sole purpose: to turn your kids into loyal, lifelong consumers who will also influence how the entire family spends its money.

Much of this money is spent on processed junk foods, which has been overwhelmingly implicated in rising obesity and chronic disease rates—especially among kids.

Captivating children’s attention with superheroes and other cartoon characters, using freebie toys to entice them, even ensuring the checkout aisles at grocery stores are stocked with candy bars within a toddler’s reach – all intentional marketing towards children.

What’s worse, according to recent research into food addiction, “highly processed foods can lead to classic signs of addiction like loss of control, tolerance, and withdrawal,2” Time Magazine reports. The sugar, salt, and trans fats formulas to these processed foods are also intentional, as many “food scientists” have collaborated to ensure human taste receptors are manipulated by these irresistible goods.

Obesity Poses Greater Threat to Health Than Smoking

Read More  Junk Food: Just as Bad and Dangerous as Cigarettes.