The study by university's communication and journalism departments led by Associate Professor Ron Warren examined commercials from 2 to 10 p.m., the hours schoolchildren typically watch television. Researchers found little difference in advertisements now as opposed to February 2005, when the industry announced it would begin changing its ads.

UA Study: TV Commercials For Junk Food Continue To Target Kids

Comments: If anyone was hoping the industry would clean up its act with regard to junk food commercials, the answer is no. The advertising industry continues to target kids for ads for junk food despite studies that show a link between such commercials and the eating habits and waistlines of young children.

Will the government regulate the commercials? Maybe.... There has been a push of late to give the FCC more power to regulate these commercials. This may happen. However, I would not count on it. The FCC has been notoriously unreliable in these matters. Furthermore, studies have shown that one of marketers' main strategies is to build brand loyalty in children. For example, they could show kids playing and having fun at McDonalds--not show any unhealthy foods--and still encourage children to nag their parents to go to the fast-food restaurant.

The only answer for concerned parents is to take charge.

Some suggestions:

Stop letting your kids watch commercials. Record everything and fast-forward through any commercials. This eliminates the commercial problem and cuts back on the time kids watch TV by 25% or more. Finally make sure kids do not eat unhealthy snacks while they are watching TV, as it is too easy to overeat.

Better yet, get rid of the TV, send kids outside to play, and prepare them nutritious foods when they are finished playing. Problem solved.