Fast Food Ads Aimed at Children on the Rise

So, be the parent and don't buy the stuff.

Exposure to television advertisements for fast food among children increased by as much as 20.4% between 2003 and 2007, whereas advertisements for beverages and sweets declined, according to a new study published online July 5 in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

"US children have poor diets with an excess intake of fat, sugar, sodium, sweetened beverages, and low-nutrient snacks while fruit, vegetable, and micronutrient intake is lower than recommended," write Lisa M. Powell, PhD, and colleagues from the University of Illinois in Chicago. "There has been an upward trend in total energy intake derived from away-from-home, particularly fast food, outlets. Excess fat and sugar intake and consumption of items such as sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food have been linked with higher energy intake and obesity."

Or advocate for Gram Shop Acts.