A study by researchers from the NSW Cancer Council and the University of Newcastle revealed that children eat more kilojoules if left to choose their own fast food meals without the help of a parent.
A survey of 477 NSW parents of children aged between three and 12 years-old showed that when children were in charge of their own fast food choices, their meals provided an extra 400kj compared to when the decision was shared with a parent.
Author and Cancer Council’s nutrition program manager, Clare Hughes, said almost a third of the parents surveyed said their child was solely responsible for their own fast food choices.
‘‘Parents should play an active role in helping with fast food choices, even if this involves a little negotiating or give and take,’’ Ms Hughes said.
‘‘This can make a world of difference to the child’s energy and their overall diet. It’s important for parents to role model healthy eating to their children from a young age.’’
She said studies have confirmed that a regular consumption of fast food is linked with a poorer quality diet in children.
‘‘We know from previous national health surveys that Australian children are eating too much saturated fat and sugar, and not enough vegetables. Making better fast food choices can help turn this around.’’
Around half the parents surveyed and one in three children were overweight or obese, and around one in 10 families were eating fast food more than once a week. The results were from the Dietitians Association of Australia’s journal Nutrition and Dietetics.
