Time spent watching television is a significant predictor of obesity in childhood, suggests a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Television viewing should be considered as an important factor leading to childhood obesity, since children are less active and tend to eat while watching TV.
This common feeling is now confirmed by a study, led by researchers at New Zealand’s University of Otago, which shows that the 41% who suffer from overweight or obesity by the age of 26 are those who have watched most TV during their childhood. They assert that television consumption is even more a significant factor than the diet or physical activity.
This study confirms last years’ previous study by the same team of researchers which advised that children should not watch TV more than two hours per day in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
– For more information, see EPHA related section on obesity