Perhaps the most obvious difference is in physical activity. Television watching is a very sedentary activity, while outdoor play is fun physical activity for the entire family. Television watching can expose children to many commercials that promote foods high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Two hours a day of playing outside versus watching television could be the difference between a healthy, active child and a child who is sedentary, less healthy, and more likely to be overweight.

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