Today's cartoon is brought to you by the very serious issue of childhood obesity and junk food advertising. 

The incidence of overweight and obesity among Australian children has increased rapidly in recent years and, at present, shows no sign of abating. (Approximately 1 in 6 children are overweight and 1.20 obese) It is linked to an increase in food consumption in general, an increase in junk food consumption in particular, and a decline in physical activity.

Childhood overweight and obesity leads to higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. This is a multifaceted problem, but there is no doubt that increased consumption of junk foods, that is foods that are high in sugar, fat, or salt, is a substantial contributing factor.
In a recent survey of over 1600 Australians, 86 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement that there should be more limits on advertising to children.

Despite the widespread support for restrictions of junk food advertising from peak medical bodies, and the overwhelming public support for such restrictions, there has been no indication that the Howard Government is willing to address this problem. And Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd has ruled out a ban on junk food advertising during children's television viewing hours.

Obesity among Australian children has been rising steadily for the last two decades, with around 7 per cent of children now facing significant life long health problems due to their weight.
The ban on junk food advertising during children's television viewing hours would cost the government nothing and save billions of dollars related to the costs of obesity.

Sign the petition to ban junk food advertising during children's television viewing hours at Sarah Hanson-Young's website.