TV watching a cause of childhood obesity

Because TV is so much a part of many children's lives, we are returning once again to this topic. As we have said, TV used discreetly and intelligently may well benefit older children. When TV is not used in this strategic way, many problems can ensue, as a recent study, conducted simultaneously in several countries, found. 


Researchers with the study focused on preschool children, examining the relationship between TV watching and childhood obesity. They found that for each extra hour spent watching TV, children gained, on average, more than 2 extra pounds of body fat. The most important factor seemed to be the amount of extra food the children consumed during that time, according to the researchers, whose work was reported in the April issue of the American Journal Clinical Nutrition.

It's long been known that TV viewing is associated with increased body fat. This study added the detail that extra food consumed while watching TV seemed to be more important than the sedentary aspect of sitting around. Just more food for thought about the effects of TV on our children.

– Mental Health Matters! is written by the Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood in Cary and posted on the Carolina Parent Magazine's website, the Triangle's family resource - in print for over 21 years!  And online at www.carolinaparent.com.