U.S. Families Hit Children's Obesity Wall with Declining "Family Meal Time"

Busy schedules and ” on-the-go ” dining are emerging factors in increased obesity casesA recent Mintel report suggests that most adults blame the parents for America’s obesity issues with children. More than 77 percent of adults surveyed cited that the parents, not the children, are to blame in the national crisis. However, there are other major concerns on the obesity horizon. Beyond a lack of portion control and exercise, another key factor is figuring into the equation- the absence of regulated family eating schedules. Of the respondents, 93 percent felt that junk food plays a strong role in childhood obesity issues.Children’s obesity has gained significant attention in the health care and child welfare arenas over the past five years. In 2002, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) cited that 16 percent of children aged 6-11 were overweight, with the same percentage holding true for 12-19 year olds. Approximately 42 percent of Mintel’s respondents surveyed identified someone in their households as being overweight.