TV viewing linked to unhealthy eating

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 42, Issue 1

Spending time in front of the television is linked to an increased consumption of unhealthy snacks and drinks according to a recent review by Loughborough University experts. Dr Natalie Pearson and Professor Stuart Biddle of the University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS)reviewed 53 studies worldwide focussing on sedentary behaviour and dietary intake, and found a clear association between screen time and an unhealthy diet in children, adolescents and adults. In particular, television viewing was strongly associated with the consumption of energy-dense snacks, drinks and fast food, and a lower consumption of fruit and vegetables.

Findings are from the paper “Sedentary behaviour and dietary intake in children, adolescents and adults”, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, (August 2011).