Excess TV Time Linked to Early Death

Excessive amount of TV watching has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This risk has been quantified by a new analysis of past studies by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health.

It is estimated that the average American spends about 5 hours a day watching TV, which is more time than is devoted to any other activity with the exception of sleeping and working. TV watching in Australia would be expected to follow a similar pattern whilst Europeans watch an average of about three hours of television a day.

The analysis determined that more than two hours of TV watching a day was found to raise the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while more than three hours of TV time was associated with an increased risk for early death.

Compared to three hours of daily watching, the typical American’s five hours of TV time was associated with a 20% increase in type 2 diabetes, a 15% increase in risk for cardiovascular disease, and a 13% increased risk for premature death. This relationship was found to be linear ie the more time someone spends watching TV, the greater their risk.

Dr Hu, Harvard professor of nutrition and epidemiology, believes TV watching is more risky than other sedentary behaviours like working at a computer all day because it is associated with poorer eating behaviours. This may have something to do with being bombarded with commercials for junk food and sugary beverages.

The researchers suggest that efforts to convince Americans to limit their TV screen time should start with children. Even though no more than two hours of TV a day is recommended (and none for children under age 2), the average child in the U.S. watches four or five hours of TV a day, just like their parents. "TV watching has been linked to childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome in children," Hu says. "It stands to reason that excess screen time can set them up for poor health and early death as adults."

The Good Measures team provides education to workplaces about the poor health effects of sedentary living and the benefits of activity and good nutrition. Speak to us if you would like to know more.

http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20110614/excess-tv-time-linked-early-death