Parents of any stripe like to think they more or less have the last word when it comes to what their kids eat or drink. This seems especially true for Latinos, and even more so with Latino individualists – something previously discussed by Nick Baez. Latinos, be they individualistic or not, tend to think of themselves as independent consumers buying pretty much whatever they choose.
But the evidence suggests otherwise.
A recent Yale study showed that sugary drink producers are spending hundreds of millions of dollars targeting Black and Latino children through TV, radio, print and internet ads. Research revealed that Latino youth “viewed 33 to 99% more ads for sugary drink categories on Spanish-language TV in 2010 than in 2008” and “[Latino] preschoolers saw disproportionately more Spanish-language TV ads for Coca-Cola Classic and Powerade” than their non-Latino classmates.
Such news is alarming given that obesity and other diet-related diseases continue ravaging the Latino community.
As the report’s summary begins:
“The negative health effects of consuming sugary drinks are well documented. Just one fruit drink, regular soda, or energy drink contains more added sugar than most young people should consume in an entire day. Yet beverage companies continue to market these products aggressively to children and teens.”
If you have a child – or at least know a child – and you’re not scared yet, consider this: The reports adds that “drinking just one 8-ounce sugary drink every day increases a child’s odds of becoming obese by 60 percent.” First, I can’t remember the last time I saw a sugary drink that was less than 12 ounces. Second, with all the juice, soda, pastries, candy, ice cream and sugary cereal most Latino kids eat regularly, the chances are great that most of these kids will grow up to be adults suffering with obesity who live shorter lives than their parents.
According to a policy brief released in 2010 by the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, obesity rates among the Latino population are disproportionately higher than those among the general population. Not surprisingly, diet-related diseases are also more prevalent within the Latino community than within the general public, and Latinos are more likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases, among others. As the document states, “these obesity-related health complications are also leading causes of death for Latinos.”
Conditions are worse among Latino children. At least 38.2 percent of Latino children in America are overweight or obese, compared to 31.7 percent of all children, according to the Leadership for Healthy Communities.
This means that the Latino community is on pace to be the largest (pun intended) and least healthy ethnic group in the United States in the coming decades. Combatting this trend will require us to stay informed and committed to informing others in our community, an area wherein the NHCLS recognizes Latinos fall woefully behind the general population.
Still, our parents must be more attentive toward their children’s diets. A healthy mind begins with a healthy body.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnfZvxXlTIc]
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This is extremely important that All Latinos, no matter where you come from see this video. Lets keep our children healthy and active. Its their future Now.