Three Factor That Influences in Children’s Food Choices; Familial Changes, Food Packaging, and Advertising
Childhood obesity is a problem not just in a few countries but worldwide. Overweight or obese children and adolescents have the same medical problems as adults, such as hypertension as well as in psychological problems, such as depression. Furthermore, Anderson & Butcher (2006) stated that increasing childhood obesity is related to increasing adult obesity which suggest that obese children are at an increased risk of becoming obese in adulthood. This is one more reason that obesity in children is a serious problem in society. Food choice may be defined as “a complex human behavior influenced by many interrelating factors including marketing and economic variables as well as social, psychological, cultural, biological, religious, and demographic factors” (Pierre, Receveur, Macaulay, & Montour, 2007). Familial changes and marketing strategies, such as food television advertising or using characters in food packaging, are likely to contribute to rising obesity rates. This essay will argue that the role of parents in children food choices as well as familial changes which may occur, have an influence on children and adolescent food choices. Further, it will examine the extent of food marketing and impact to their food choices.
It is clear that there are many variables within the family setting that can affect children’s eating behavior (Johannsen, Johannsen, & Specker, 2005). According to Johannsen et al (2005) research, children’s eating behavior and their parent’s eating behavior are not related. In contrast, Scaglioni, Salvioni, & Galimberti (2008) found that the parents influences their children’s environment that may developing healthy eating behaviours in children. This is same statement with Childers & Hoy (2012) :
“Parents and guardians, specifically those with younger children, are ultimately the true gatekeepers for much of their children’s food and beverage consumption. Parents not only have responsibility for grocery purchasing,
It is clear that there are many variables within the family setting that can affect children’s eating behavior (Johannsen, Johannsen, & Specker, 2005). According to Johannsen et al (2005) research, children’s eating behavior and their parent’s eating behavior are not related. In contrast, Scaglioni, Salvioni, & Galimberti (2008) found that the parents influences their children’s environment that may developing healthy eating behaviours in children. This is same statement with Childers & Hoy (2012) :
“Parents and guardians, specifically those with younger children, are ultimately the true gatekeepers for much of their children’s food and beverage consumption. Parents not only have responsibility for grocery purchasing,