Episode 166: The Pester Factor & Beyond: Dr. Marion Nestle on Kids, Food and Influence

What children eat today is heavily influenced by powerful forces — from ultra-processed “kids’ foods” to marketing strategies designed to keep them hooked. World-renowned nutrition expert, Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, New York University, explains how we got here, why parents are facing an uphill battle and what real solutions look like.

We discuss school meals, the “pester factor,” the connection between food insecurity and obesity, and how other countries are taking a different approach. Dr. Nestle also offers practical, hopeful steps parents, grandparents and caregivers can take to help children develop a healthier relationship with food.

Featuring:
Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, New York University

Host/Producer: Carol Vassar

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From ensuring food security and equity's seat at the table to meeting families where they are with mental health resources — Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children's Health Podcast is exploring all the ways we can create the healthiest generations of children ever. #nemourschildrenshealth #nemours #nemoursfamily #childrenshealth #childrenshealthcare #childhealthadvocacy #kidshospital #kidshealth #pediatricmedicine #pediatriccare #pediatrics #health #healthpodcast #healthcare #podcast #healthandwellness #healthandmedicine #socialdeterminantsofhealth

00:00 – Welcome to Well Beyond Medicine
00:36 – Childhood Obesity & Food Insecurity: How Big is the Problem?
01:47 – Meet Dr. Marion Nestle | Food Policy Expert
02:05 – How Food Systems Shape Kids’ Diets
02:42 – School Gardens & Cooking | Can They Change Eating Habits?
03:11 –Why Do Kids Love Ultra-Processed Foods?
04:58 – Feeding Challenges | How Parents Manage Healthy Meals
06:00 – Marketing & Snack Culture | How Are Kids Influenced?
07:38 – Baby-Led Weaning | Teaching Kids to Eat Real Food
09:04 – Policy & Schools | How They Shape Kids’ Eating
09:39 – School Meals Matter | What Makes Them Effective?
11:09 – Food Marketing Ethics | Is It Doing Harm?
13:12 – Lessons from Tobacco and How It Applies to Food
15:13 – Obesity & Food Policy | What’s the Connection?
16:46 – The “Pester Factor” | How Brands Hook Kids
18:12 – Food Insecurity & Obesity | Why Are They Linked?
20:29 – Healthier Eating Models | Which Work Best?
21:17 – Global Warning Labels | Can They Teach Kids About Sugar & Salt?
23:14 – Artificial Colors in Cereals | Should They Be Removed?
24:07 – Teach Kids to Cook | Why It Matters
25:26 – Hope for Food System Change | Who’s Leading the Way?
26:21 – What to Eat Now | Dr. Nestle’s New Book
27:52 – Closing Thoughts