Watching TV causes Obesity, Diabetes and Sleeplessness

Watching TV is an ideal way to pass time --- it is enjoyable and does not require any effort. Most children plug into the world of television long before they enter school. In India, children between four and 14 years form the largest segment of viewers (23 percent) followed by 15-25 years olds (22 per cent) and 25-35 years old (20 per cent).

Mindless eating? Blame the TV!

Studies done by the Stanford University of Medicine, California, show that TV viewing is directly linked with mindless eating. When children watch TV, they snack more often on junk food – popcorn, chips, ice cream, colas and biscuits – that are high in salt and calories and low in fibre. At the same time, it keeps children indoors and is largely responsible for the lack of physical activity.

TV viewing could lead to obesity because children tend to eat more when glued to the small screen.

Diabetes? Blame the TV

Studies done on women suggest that sedentary behavior, especially prolonged television viewing, significantly increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. It was found that for every two hours spent watching TV, there is a 23 per cent increase in the risk of obesity and a 14 percent increase in diabetes. On the other hand, one hour of brisk walking every day reduces obesity by 24 per cent and diabetes by 34 per cent.

Less Sleep? Blame the TV

A recent study conducted at the University of Florence has revealed that television viewing blocks the production of melatonin – the sleep hormone which is produced around 9 pm and induces sleep. Watching TV causes sleep deficit and can affect the child’s alertness in school. When children stopped watching TV for a week, the secretion of melatonin increased by 30 per cent and improved sleep patterns.

Heavy TV viewing induces passivity and reduces thinking skills in children. It hampers creativity and the development of language skills. Kids who live in “heavy” households – homes where the TV is on always or most of the time – are less likely to be able to read by the age of six. Violent programmes can make children afraid or worried. This may make them aggressive and some may end up experimenting with sex and alcohol.