Yes, TV does make children fat

by BEEZY MARSH, Daily Mail

Strong evidence that children who watch a lot of television are more likely to be obese has emerged from a study.

Researchers who questioned seriously overweight youngsters found that 85 per cent spent more than two hours a day in front of the box.

Some were allowed five hours' viewing at a stretch. Doctors say that during these prolonged periods of inactivity, there is a constant temptation to 'graze' on highfat, high-sugar snacks.

Previous studies have suggested that putting a television set in a child's bedroom increases the risk of obesity.

Other factors include parental fears over safety, which prevent children walkingto school, and the trend for computer games rather than outdoor play.

The number of overweight children in Britain has doubled in 20 years. Now almost ten per cent of under-fours are classed as obese.

The latest research, from the University of Marmara in Turkey, was reported to the European Society of General Practice and Family Medicine in London yesterday. It looked at 219 pupils at an Istanbul primary school, of whom 33 were obese.

Of the obese group, 85 per cent watched television for more than two hours a day. Only 56 per cent of the others did so.

Team leader Dr Arzu Uzuner said: 'We are now trying to work with parents so they can help their children cut down on viewing and do more physical activity.'

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