Released August 18, 2008

STILLWATER, Okla. – Too much television and not enough exercise is not a healthy choice. A recent study shows television can also increase how much we eat.

The study found kids who watched TV while eating lunch took in an extra 228 calories than those who ate with the TV off.

Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service nutrition education specialist, said eating while watching television overrules our ability to know when to stop eating.

“The result of watching TV while eating is mindless eating,” Hermann said. “A better option is to shut off the television and enjoy this time with a family meal and healthy choices.”

Rituals and routines in family mealtimes help in establishing identity and are good for mental health too, according to a study from Syracuse University.

Sitting down and having a healthy dinner with your family can make a difference. Research reports that family dinners make a positive impact on children and youth.

“Making time during hectic work schedules and after-school activities for family mealtimes is a positive step in preventing later problems among today’s youth,” said Debbie Richardson, OSU Cooperative Extension Service parenting assistant specialist.

More specifically, studies show that teens are healthier and are less likely to become involved in risky behaviors if they regularly dine with their families.

“The more often teens have dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs,” she said. “Those who have dinner together five or more nights a week are almost 50 percent less likely to try alcohol compared to teens who have dinner with their families two nights or less per week.”

Studies show teens whose families eat together regularly are less depressed, less likely to have sex at younger ages, and get into fights or be suspended from school less often. In addition, they develop better eating habits and tend to be less stressed or bored.

Mealtime can help foster and encourage communication between parents and children and is a time when parents can provide a healthy and positive influence for their children.

Richardson said this is a good opportunity to let parents monitor their child’s activities, friends and school progress, and better understand the challenges that their children face.

“Children are more likely in return to talk to parents about their problems, thus reducing the risk of more problems down the line,” she said.

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http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/katie.reim-40okstate.edu/turn-off-the-tv-and-eat-less-enjoy-family

Contact: Katie L. Reim, 405-744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu