Is sedentary media use causing obesity?

Most people use media while they are sitting still or engaging in few other activities. Because of this, it might seem that lack of physical activity due to too much media use is a major factor in childhood overweight. However, most studies on this topic have not found this to be true.

When researchers followed a group of middle-school girls for 2 years, they found that the girls who watched more TV participated in fewer physical activities. But they did not find any connection between the hours of television they watched and their weight. (see this study)

Another popular notion is that if children were using media less, they would be participating in more physical activities. However, most studies haven't found this to be true, either. For example, children may watch less television, yet spend more time reading, doing homework, or using other media such as the Internet -- all of which are also sedentary activities.

Next: Learn about media and food advertising

 

CMCH resources for parents and teachers are made possible
by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.