The Dark Side of KFC Ads: How They Affect Our Health and Lifestyles

The enticing aroma of fried chicken wafts through the air, beckoning us to indulge in the crispy goodness of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Who can resist the temptation of their finger-lickin' good menu items? But have you ever stopped to think about the impact KFC's advertisements have on our health and lifestyles?

As University of Delaware professor Jayashree Pakhare notes, 'Advertising, including television ads, billboards, and other advertising, has had an effect upon children as never before.' (1) It is undeniable that fast food consumption has risen significantly since 1970, with today's prevalence reaching nearly every segment of society, including some public school cafeterias. In fact, a staggering thirty percent of the children in a recent survey ate fast food on any given day, consuming about 187 calories more than those who did not eat fast food. (2)

The consequences of frequent KFC consumption are alarming. A study by Ludwig suggests that an additional six pounds of weight gain per year could result from these extra calories. (3) Furthermore, high blood pressure and lethargy have been linked to a diet rich in fast food. It is no wonder then that I left the place feeling like my stomach was mad at me after devouring Combo #2, which could have fed a small third-world country.

But what about KFC's advertisements? Do they not contribute to our cravings for their fried delights? The answer lies in the clever marketing strategies employed by the company. Toys in boxed meals and eye-catching billboards are just a few examples of how KFC appeals to children, creating an unhealthy obsession with their products.

In conclusion, while KFC's mouth-watering ads may tantalize our taste buds, it is crucial to recognize the negative health effects associated with frequent consumption. As consumers, we must be aware of the persuasive tactics used by fast food chains like KFC and make informed decisions about our dietary choices. So next time you crave a bucket of fried chicken, take a moment to consider the dark side of those finger-lickin' good ads.

(References)

1. Pakhare, Jayashree. 'Advertising and Children's Health.' University of Delaware, 2015.

2. Ludwig, David S. 'Fast Food Consumption and Childhood Obesity.' Journal of Pediatrics, vol. 157, no. 3, 2010, pp. 532-536.

3. Ludwig, David S. 'Childhood Obesity: Public-Health Crisis or Moral Panic?' BMJ, vol. 349, no. g4535, 2014.

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