In the ENERGY study data set, we have explored if and how eating while watching TV is associated with weight status among 10-12 year old children in 8 countries across Europe. The results have just been published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, with Froydis Vik as first author. Many studies in recent years have reported on the association between so-called sedentary behavior and weight status, and it has been suggested that children who sit more, have higher likelihood to be overweight and obese, and metabolic ill health. However, a recent review of the literature published in Obesity Reviews as well as a further recent original study published in Plos ONE failed to show that such sedentary behaviors predict metabolic ill health. However, for one specific sedentary activity, i.e. TV watching, the associations with overweight and obesity appear to be stronger. It has been suggested that 'mindless' eating while watching TV could be an underlying factor.
In an earlier study, published in Public Health Nutrition, we already looked at having breakfast while watching TV, breakfast skipping and overweigh/obesity. In the present study we looked at all three meals -breakfast, lunch, dinner, and indeed found that children who watched TV while eating their main meals, especially while having lunch or dinner, had somewhat (20-30%) higher odds to be overweight or obese. Our study also further provided supportive evidence that children who eat regular meal -i.e. who do not skip breakfast or dinner-s are less likely to be overweight or obese.
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