Child Obesity and TV, 4

Bottom line? Watching even 1 hour of television per day increases a child’s risk for obesity. The study author Mark D. DeBoer, M.D., M.Sc., M.C.R., associate professor of pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Virginia, reportedly said, “Given overwhelming evidence connecting the amount of time TV viewing and unhealthy weight, pediatricians and parents should attempt to restrict childhood TV viewing.” He also commented that although the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended limiting children and teens to less than two hours of TV screen time each day, in light of the study results, 2 hours may be too much. I found it of great interest that the study analysis identified no link between computer use and unhealthy body weights. [I am interested in reasons for this finding. Is it because computer use doesn’t advertise foods and beverages as much as does TV or because much of watching TV involves primarily ‘passive’ mental imaging or …..?] Part 4 tomorrow.