Obesity and the Media

Regular readers of this blog know that I have already done several posts about the media and children but I thought I would revisit the topic. This month the American Academy of Pediatrics put out a policy statement "Children, Adolescents, Obesity, and the Media" so I thought I would summarize it.

Research shows that there is a strong correlation between excessive TV viewing and obesity. Also research shows that a bedroom TV is a significant risk factor for obesity.

There are several ways in which watching TV can contribute to obesity.
1. The more time a child spends watching TV the less time they spend doing a physical activity.
2. Unhealthy eating habits are learned from the programming as well as the advertisements.
3.  Increased snacking while watching TV.  Not only do the ads make you think you are hungry when you are not but when you eat in front of the TV you tend to eat more than when you sit at the table without the TV on.
4. The TV disrupts normal sleep patterns.  When a TV is in a child's bedroom they are often watching it instead of sleeping.  This leads to more of numbers 2 and 3 above but also makes the child more tired. When you are tired you often inclined to eat to help boost your energy level.

So, what is a parent to do.  First of all take the TV out of your child's bedroom.  (Tell them that Dr. Krieg is making you!)  Then make rules about TV viewing that include how much, when, and what they are allowed to watch.  It is recommended that children (over age 2) spend no more than two hours a day in front of a screen (computer, TV and video games).  Also make the rule that all food belongs in the kitchen or at the table. (your house will be neater!)  Turn the TV off when you are eating. You are the parent and are allowed to make rules. Do not give in when you children complain!

Have questions or are uncertain what to do? We are more than happy to talk about media usage at your child's well child check as well as review their body mass index (BMI).