Thanks to a Victorian study, the answer is yes. Researchers at Deakin University's Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research investigated whether television viewing is linked to eating habits and physical activity levels in primary school students.
The researchers used questionnaires completed by students' parents and 'accelerometers' (a type of pedometer that measures physical activity levels) worn by children during waking hours for an entire week. The children were also measured and weighed.
The study revealed:
* 23 per cent of 5-6 year olds were overweight or obese.
* 32 per cent of 10-12 year olds were overweight or obese.
Children who watched television for more than two hours daily were:
* more likely to consume an unhealthy diet;
* less likely to eat fruit; and
* less likely to participate in organised physical activities.
Children are sweet tooths and junk-food junkies with:
* 90 per cent of 10-12 year old girls eating at least one sweet snack (biscuits, cakes and lollies) daily;
* 79 per cent of 10-12 year old boys eating takeaway food (e.g. pasties, meat pies, sausage rolls, pizza) daily; and
* More than 80 per cent of boys consuming sweet drinks such as cordial, soft drinks and juice drinks, at least once a day.
The researchers said their study was consistent with earlier research suggesting that increased television viewing time is associated with soft drink consumption and reduced intake of fruits and vegetables.
They said: "Television viewing time appears to be an important indicator of a range of lifestyle behaviours likely to promote fatness over time."
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, Australia's Health 2006, pointed to a "whole of population shift to more sedentary lifestyles". It also expressed concern that 61 per cent of boys and 45 per cent of girls in Year Six spend more than two hours per day on electronic entertainment such as TV viewing.
Australian health authorities recommend children participate in at least an hour's physical activity per day and consume two serves of fruit and five of vegetables daily.
If we are to arrest the trend toward weight gain, inactivity and poor diets, schools are at the frontline for promoting the "move more, eat well" health message.
Tim Pegler is the editor of www.fitness2live.com.au
References:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006. Australia's health 2006. AIHW cat. No. AUS 73. AIHW, Canberra
Salmon J, Campbell KJ, Crawford DA. Television viewing habits associated with obesity risk factors: a survey of Melbourne schoolchildren. Med J Aust. 2006 Jan 16;184(2):64-7.
Related reading:
Obesity a Community Issue
School Sport a Lifetime Habit
TV Taking Over
Steer Clear of Soft Drinks
