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Is Television Making Our Kids Fat?
The problems of overweight and obesity in children are growing. In the ten year period from 1985 to 1995 the number of children considered to be overweight or obese in Australia more than doubled. During the same time period the number of obese children, those whose body weight is more than 20% above normal weight, tripled. This increase was shared by all age groups and for both girls and boys.
The question again, is TV making our kids fat? The answer is yes, and no - which leaves us with no clear culprit in the case. Large scale epidemiological studies have showed that children who watch the most TV - defined as 3 or more hours per day - are more likely to be overweight than those who watch less than an hour a day.
Other studies have shown that active kids - those who are doing an hour or more a day of active sports, games or activities - are not likely to be overweight even if they watch substantial amounts of TV.
The end result is that TV itself does not cause overweight or obesity in children, but it certainly reduces the opportunities for energy expenditure in more active pastimes. In addition, there is evidence that TV watching is associated with eating more snack foods, a source of high density energy that is not spent in this sedentary pursuit.
The proportion of overweight and obese children in Australia is accelerating. There is likely more to the problem than turning off the TV - although this would be a good start. Increased participation in active, rather than passive recreation is required. This combined with a healthy, balanced diet, will assist our children in maintaining a healthy weight though their growing years.
Article by Professor Kerry Mummery
Central Queensland University
