Perspectives on Food Marketing and Childhood Obesity: Introduction to the Special Section

Obesity among preschool and school-aged children in the United States has increased almost threefold since the late 1970s, with 14% of children ages 2‐5 and 19% ofChildren ages 6‐11 now characterized as being overweight.

Abstract

Childhood obesity has become an increasingly serious health problem in the United States and around the world. Obesity among preschool and school-aged children in the United States has increased almost threefold since the late 1970s, with 14% of children ages 2‐5 and 19% of children ages 6‐11 now characterized as being overweight. Considerable variation is evident across the population, and obesity rates are much higher among some ethnic minorities (Ogden et al. 2006).1 Childhood obesity has been associated with adverse health effects, including elevated risks of hypertension, atherosclerosis, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic inflammation, and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes (Daniels et al. 2005; Ebbeling, Pawlak, and Ludwig 2002). At current levels, 30% of boys and 40% of girls (ages 6‐11) are at risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives (Institute of Medicine [IOM] 2006). Recent forecasts of life expectancy suggest that unless obesity levels are reduced, the current generation of American children will live less healthful and possibly shorter lives than their parents (Olshansky et al. 2005). Obesity is a public health issue that has captured the attention of a broad set of citizens and institutions, and calls for action are becoming increasingly powerful. However, it is a complex problem. Obesity is the result of numerous behaviors that occur over time, and many factors help shape children’s food preferences, eating behaviors, and physical activity levels. Some of these are specific to individuals