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Have there been studies that linked excessive time watching television to childhood overweight issues?

Last Updated: January 27, 2009

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Studies have found that excessive TV watching can lead to increased risk for being overweight, increases in body mass index (BMI), increase in physical inactivity, and decrease in metabolic rate. In addition, another study found that restricting TV viewing led to a reduction in excess weight gain.

References:
Lumeng, J.C., Rahnama, S., Appugliese, D., Kaciroti, N., and Bradley, R.H. (2006). Television exposure and overweight risk in preschoolers. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. 160(4). 417-22.

Viner, R.M., Cole, T.J. (2005). Television viewing in early childhood predicts adult body mass index. Journal of Pediatrics. 147(4). 429-435.

Klesges, R.C., Shelton, M.L., and Klesges, L.M. (1993). Effects of television on metabolic rate: potential implications for childhood obesity. Pediatrics. 92(2). 281-6.

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