“Today, preschoolers see 21% more fast food ads on TV than they saw in 2003, and somewhat older children see 34% more, said Harris.

According to the study, 40% of kids ages 2-11 ask their parents to go to McDonald’s at least once a week. 15% of preschoolers ask to go every day.

This incessant advertising is working. 84% of parents with kids ages 2-11 reported taking their young child to a fast food restaurant at least once in the last week.

While fast food restaurant commercials may hawk healthy sides like apple slices and low-fat milk, the study found restaurants like McDonald’s and Burger King serve french fries with kids’ meals at least 86% of the time, and soft drinks at least 55% of the time.

The healthy sides are rarely served as a default; they have to be requested.

Plus, it seems healthy foods never have a chance to be seen as tasty on their own. At McDonald’s, where apple slices can be switched out for fries in a Happy Meal, they’re routinely seen with a side of caramel sauce for “dipping.” The idea the apples should be dipped in something is so strong, the slices are called “Apple Dippers.”

Fast Food Restaurants Market Non-Healthy Menu Items Heavily To Kids