I suppose this one could be classified as rather obvious research. Scientists have determined that kids are eating out more than ever and that is causing them to eat more calories than if they were eating at home.
Key findings:
In the US, kids are eating out frequently. About 33% of kids aged 2-11 eat fast food each day and about 40% of people age 12-19 do.
Consumption of sugar, fat, and sodium all go up when kids eat out.
Kids at more than 300 additional calories when they ate out.
Soda and free refills is one of the biggest contributors to additional calories.
Advice
It seems pretty obvious to help combat this problem. Parents shouldn’t give their kids money to buy food at fast food places and restaurants. Of course, that must be easier said than done.
At the very least, parents should be encouraging (requiring) their kids to participate in some kind of regular exercise program.
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