| The Undeniable Link Between TV and Your Child Becoming Obese Two new studies have once again demonstrated that limited television time is essential to losing weight, and that children who watch too much TV tend to be unhealthily inactive.
10 Hours or Less to Keep Weight Off
The first study examined a group of about 5,000 people who had lost and kept off at least 30 pounds for more than six years. It found that most who fit these criteria watched fewer than 10 hours of TV a week -- much less than the national average of 28 hours a week.
In addition, those who increased their TV viewing were more likely to gain back weight.
Children Watch TV Instead of Walking
Another study examined the walking habits of over 50 children aged 10 to 17. It showed that the children were taking an average of about 7,900 steps a day, less than two-thirds of what a healthy amount would be. The study indicated that one reason for this was that the children were watching more than two hours of TV a day instead of being active.
The number of steps the children took dropped with age, especially after age 13.
USA Today November 1, 2005 |
