HHS HealthBeat (March 17, 2009)

Consuming TV

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From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Teenagers who spend many hours a day watching TV are more likely to grow into young adults who eat more junk food.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that in data on Minnesota high school students who they followed into young adulthood. Teens who spent at least five hours before the tube tended – five years later – to eat more snack foods, fried food, fast food, and foods with trans fats.

Researcher Daheia Barr-Anderson:

[Daheia Barr-Anderson speaks] ``These adolescents are watching a huge amount of TV when they’re younger. And even five years later, it could potentially have an effect on their dietary habits and their overall health.’’ 

The study in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity was supported by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: March, 17 2009