Limit TV viewing to help prevent childhood obesity
17 Jan 2005

Television watching is related to overweight problems because

• children don't use much body energy when they are watching
• they often watch instead of being involved in more active play
• they are likely to have snacks while watching.

In addition, they see a lot of food advertisements leading them to want foods that are not good for their health and weight. Helping young children to develop good eating patterns and enjoyment from sport and exercise may help them avoid later health problems.

It can be difficult to cut down the amount of television a child watches, especially if the adults in the family like to watch TV, but it can be done, and the adults will become healthier too! Children are more likely to be willing to switch off the TV if they can see their parents are trying too.

Some suggestions:

• Keep the TV off before school.
• Do not watch TV during meals. Meals can be times when you talk together as a family.
• Walking and bike riding as a family can be excellent exercise.
• Read a book together before bedtime as a way to wind down and relax for sleep.

For more information, see the topics Weight problems in childhood and Television.

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