Next time you pick up the remote control, take a moment to consider which end of that transaction is really running the show, you or the TV. Mostly television controls our free time. Over the last ten years many technological developments have reduced the labor we perform daily, but none has contributed more to obesity rates worldwide than television.
Television watching contributes to the obesity epidemic in several ways. First watching TV seems to lower our metabolic rate more than other sedentary activities such as sewing, playing board games, reading and writing. TV watching has the highest risk for obesity and diabetes among the several sedentary behaviors.
Secondly watching TV replaces physical activity for many people. Third most people tend to eat while watching TV, which leads to significant imbalances in energy intake versus energy use. The foods we eat while watching TV are a reflection of the unhealthful foods advertised on the TV itself. Moreover TV viewing during mealtime was inversely associated with consumption of healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that weren’t advertised.
Many people around the world show greater loyalty to their televisions than they do to their religions. Snack foods are always close at hand and we can enjoy a tasty treat without slowing down the pace of work and many have the habit of munching while watching TV, which in turn leads to obesity. Children see approximately ten food commercials per hour of television viewing time and they eat sugar sweetened cereals, soft drinks, fast foods and similar products. By tuning in the television, we tune everything else out.
