The cabinet chair of the Georgia Children's Health Alliance takes News 3's questions from viewers about the controversial "Stop Childhood Obesity" ad campaign, namely the billboards seen around Columbus.
The organization seeks to make a difference in healthy births, childhood obesity and child abuse or neglect.
Its latest ad campaign has three phases. The first is to create awareness and dialogue, which is exactly what chairman Ron Frieson says is happening.
"Seventy-five percent of parents of obese kids do not acknowledge that their kids are obese," Frieson said. "Until that happens, we're afraid there will be no traction around this issue."
Some viewers have expressed concern to News 3 over the self-esteem of children involved in the ads and those children looking at the ads. The kids selected for the ad campaign have real stories; however, they are paid actors.
"These kids self-esteem is already impacted by the fact that they're overweight," Frieson said. "Our studies show that the kids want the straight talk. They want to understand what the issue is, and that's the message that we're actually delivering to those kids."
The next phase of the campaign starts in about six weeks. It will be a call to action for parents.
Frieson won't reveal too much of the campaign's plan, but he does say the public can expect to follow the kids' progress as they commit themselves to a healthier lifestyle.
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