Shrek, the big, green ogre and star of his namesake movie-franchise has been recruited to be the spokesman of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the new Anti-Obesity mascot.

shrek - be a player
(Click the image to watch the TV Ad!)

With the clarion call “Be A Player, Play An Hour A Day”, Shrek and his horder of sidekicks including Donkey, Puss In Boots and, of course, Princess Fiona, encourages children to lead a more active and healthy life. This series of PSAs will be part of the HHS’ Small Steps Program for children.

On the website you can play along with Shrek in the “Shrek Says” game which urges to, among other things to perform physical activities like do 10 Jumping Jacks or 10 Hops In Place. While at it don’t miss the page that is bound to be interesting for kids called “Can Your Food Do That?”

“We are pleased to collaborate with DreamWorks Animation SKG to address childhood obesity and possibly thwart the onset of chronic disease,” said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “I hope to find innovative ways to work as partners with many other companies in creating a culture of wellness. I am a strong supporter of the President’s HealthierUS initiative and encourage all Americans to be physically active every day; eat a nutritious diet; get their preventive screenings; and make healthy choices.”

But there is another angle to this campaign, namely that Shrek is already being used to promote sugary cereals and other unhealthy foods:

The over-exploited Shrek brand is already used to promote sugary cereals, M&Ms, and McDonald’s, so kids who see an ad with Shrek talking about healthy eating and then seeing his mug on a box of cereal would naturally associate that the cereal is good for them.

-Via Marketing Shift

What do you feel? Can a big fat slob be able to urge and encourage kids to eat and live better? Do comment about your thoughts on this!

Technorati Tags: health, fitness, shrek, obesity, children

Related Posts: