That means that within 20 years, about half of all adults will be overweight.

But according to a recent study conducted at Deakin University, banning junk food advertisements during peak children’s viewing times would help the average Australian child drop half a kilogram.

It found banning television junk food ads was the highest-impact and most cost-effective intervention to reduce childhood obesity that had been modelled to date.

Of course, lowering the obesity rate would also result in significant savings in obesity-related health costs.

The results have prompted the Australian Medical Association to call for such ads to be barred during peak children’s viewing times.

The association’s president Andrew Pesce says every parent knows junk food advertising to children at any time undermines efforts to encourage healthy eating habits.

His argument has merit and most parents would welcome such a move.

But every parent also knows it is their role to educate their children about healthy eating habits and the benefits of regular exercise.

They are responsible for helping children understand the consequences of choices they make.

Perhaps if parents limited their children’s screen time and encouraged them to be active rather than idle, they would not be exposed to programs saturated with junk food advertisements.

Turning off the television and going for a walk, or encouraging the kids to play in the backyard, would surely lead to a weight reduction of half a kilogram in no time.

What do you think?

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