Santa Claus Is Too Fat
Experts said Father Christmas should exercise more and stop drink-driving
Australian experts have claimed that Santa Claus represents a public health hazard because he is perceived as promoting drink-driving and obesity.
These experts have said that the idea of a over-weight, jolly and seemingly tipsy Father Christmas may e viewed in the wrong way by some young individuals and could negatively impact the lives of millions around the world.
According to them, Santa should get off his sleigh and walk a little rather than sit back and smash the speed limit.
He should also lay off the Brandy and the fattening meat based dishes he seems to enjoy so much and which have traditionally been left behind by hopeful kids.
Two Australian experts, based at Monash University in Melbourne, have commented on Santa’s unhealthy image. Illustrator Brendan Halyday and her colleague Dr Nathan Grills said the image currently projected by Santa Claus is encouraging drink-driving, speeding, obesity as well as an overall unhealthy lifestyle.
In the report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), Brendan Halyday and Dr Nathan Grills revealed that Father Christmas was even used in cigarette advertising campaigns.
The global notoriety which Santa enjoys means his image is freely used internationally by companies wanting to promote all kinds of services and products, including fast foods.
It’s been demonstrated that young children perceive a link between Santa Claus and the iconic Ronald McDonald, the character used by the popular fast food chained which has restaurants all over the planet.
The authors of the report list a lengthy series of behaviours which are seen as unhealthy, including the encouragement of fathers to finish off family left-overs.
The researchers have said that there’s a need for the image of Santa Claus to go through an overhaul, one which will result in him promoting a healthy way of living.