Question

(1) In 1995, the American Academy of Pediatrics declared that "advertising directed at children is inherently deceptive

and exploits children under eight years of age." (2) The academy did not recommend a ban on such advertising
because it seemed impractical and would infringe upon advertisers' freedom of speech. (3) Today the health risks faced
by the nation's children far outweigh the needs of its mass marketers. (4) Congress should immediately ban all
advertisements aimed at children that promote foods high in fat and sugar. (5) Thirty years ago Congress banned
cigarette ads from radio and television as a public health measure-and those ads were directed at adults. (6) Smoking
has declined ever since. (7) A ban on advertising unhealthy foods to children would discourage eating habits that are
not only hard to break, but potentially life-threatening. (8) Moreover, such a ban would encourage the fast-food chains
to alter the recipes for their children's meals. (9) Greatly reducing the fat content of McDonald's Happy Meals, for
example, could have an immediate effect on the diet of the nation's kids. (10) Every month more than 90 percent of the
children in the United States eat at McDonald's.
F8. Click on the logical inference.
a. The author suggests that children's poor eating habits are as serious a health problem as adult's smoking.
b. TV commercials and other ads probably have little effect on children's behaviors.
c. The author believes fast-food chains can be convinced to voluntarily refrain from advertising unhealthy foods for
young children.

Answer 1

The author suggests that just as the banning of cigarette advertisements led to a decline in smoking rates, banning advertisements for unhealthy foods to children could similarly improve their eating habits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The logical inference that can be drawn from the given text is that the author suggests children's poor eating habits are as serious a health problem as adults smoking (option a). This is supported by the comparison of the prohibition of cigarette advertising and the proposal to ban advertisements for foods high in fat and sugar aimed at children. The author believes that such a ban could lead to healthier eating habits among children and paves the way for fast-food chains to offer healthier options. Furthermore, the precedent of banning cigarette ads leading to a decrease in smoking rates lends credence to this approach. Initiatives like the Let's Move! campaign highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of childhood obesity through community involvement, improved nutrition, and increased physical activity.