More than 9 million U.S. children and youth are obese and another 15 percent are at risk for becoming obese. That is the main reason Bowling Green's Brandon Shoemake and John Bullington are urging marketers to junk the junk food ads geared toward children.

Bowling Green was one of five across the nation selected to participate in a project by The Institute of Medicine.

Beginning in May 2006, some teens from Bowling Green High School surveyed almost 700 local residents using a technique called youth mapping to find out how food and beverage practices influence them.

Brandon and John revealed their findings at the ALIVE center Tuesday. To view their findings click here.

The surveys showed people between the ages of 35 and 54 purchased food and beverages more often than other ages.
Price was one of their main influences and taste was a close second.
Statistical findings also showed signs were the most common form of food advertisement and consumers were influenced the most by ads they saw on TV. But perhaps the most disturbing findings were just how many restaurants target kids with unhealthy food ads.
The survey showed parents could also be to blame.

Brandon and John are hopeful this survey will encourage others to change their eating habits, one bite at a time.