You may believe that poor people are the thinnest people around, especially when little money equals less food. For the really indigent -- especially in non-developed countries -- this can still be
the case.
But for those richer countries (especially the U.S.), the modern developed world yields heavier humans. That's what 21h century food manufacturing can do for you:
fast-food is cash-easy.
The downside is always about health -- especially among our younger citizens. In this regard, a couple of Congressional representatives want to start up more legislation to curtail food marketing to kids on TV shows.
Advertising
supporters are already calling this -- what else? -- a violation of free speech. As usual, though, marketing executives aren't focusing on the right direction: It isn't about the stuff (words) that
leave one's mouth; it's about the stuff that goes in.
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Food makers turning a blind eye to what's going on in the TV world should get another optical examination.
Here's another
secret: It isn't necessarily about the quality of food -- it's about quantity, as well. Tons of whole-wheat, sugar-free, gluten-free, preservative-free (and yes, maybe taste-free) food can still
make people overweight.
If the world expects food balance in citizens, this balance
should show itself on TV. This would mean kids' programmers should be required to run one sugary juice box ad directly followed by a Bally's Fitness ad. For every cheese -aden snack, there
should be a commercial with images of someone riding a bike or running.
It's a mixed message but a good one: energy in, energy out. U.S. consumers need balance. So do kids' TV programmers
and their sponsors.