News and Opinion
There are stories relating to obesity breaking around the world every day. The stories below are those where journalists haver sought NOF opnion/quotes or summaries of research on which NOF may have a view. Where possible the source of the stories are identified by the newspaper banner or a URL in red.
NOF Opinion will always be identified in italics.
Parents give kids junk for " easier life "
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 21 August 2011
Eight out of ten parents are still packing lunchboxes with unhealthy food such as crisps and chocolate according to Annabel Karmel research even though fruit is one of children's most most popular snacks. According to Ms Karmel " parents start out with good intentions, but at busy times of the day opt for an easier life and give in to children even though they know that the food may not be healthy ". They make up for it, however, with nearly 50% admitting that they tried to trick their children into eating healthy vegetables by hiding them in pasta dishes.
The survey shows that pester power is alive and well but the parents should get brownie points for cunning. Other tricks employed were offering finger food portions of vegetables and the least favourite - mushrooms, spinach and broccoli -even being pureed. The last trick - resorting to a bribe of a sweet treat - should always remain, what it is, " treat ".
A second survery, The Kids Brand Index 2011, also reported recently in the MAIL, emphasised just what parents still have to face up to. Walkers Crisps, McDonalds and Coca Cola are three of the favourite brands of UK children. The news may not be all bad however: the survey does not record whether the favourites are the traditional items or the newer, healthier reformulated products.