Fatal effects of TV viewing

Thursday June 24th, 2010

Couch potatoes who spend their leisure time in front of the TV increase their risk of heart disease hour by hour, researchers warn today.

A major British study will show that every hour of TV watching increases risk "significantly".

Experts say that TV watching encourages snacking and uses minimal energy.

The analysis suggests that TV watching on its own is unhealthy - regardless of how much exercise a person takes or how slim they are.

Fotini Rozakeas, a specialist nurse with the British Heart Foundation, said: "This study strengthens the argument that sitting for hours on end watching TV is not good for your health.

"It's easy to snack on unhealthy foods and slouching on the sofa only burns a few calories.

"People can - and should - enjoy watching their favourite TV programmes or the World Cup without becoming couch potatoes by doing at least 30 minutes physical activity five times a week. This doesn't need to be a trip to the gym; a walk in the park or taking the stairs at work all help make a difference."

Television viewing time independently predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: the EPIC Norfolk Study. Dr Katrien Wijndaele and Dr Ulf Ekelund. International Journal of Epidemiology 2010;1–10 doi:10.1093/ije/dyq105

Tags: Fitness | Heart Health | Nutrition & Healthy Eating | UK News

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