For decades it has been known that TV watching contributed to child obesity.  Children who watch just one hour of TV a day have a significantly higher possibility of becoming overweight.

But it’s not just kids who plump up watching the boob tube.  The TV can have very detrimental affects on adults too.

Several years ago a study was done with 4000 adults of both sexes.  Two groups were formed.  One group increased their TV watching over a 5 year period.  The other group’s TV watching stayed the same over the 5 years.  At the end of the study the researchers examined both groups.  The people who had increased their TV watching also increased their waistlines. The women in this group also had an increase in blood pressure.  There were no significant changes with the group that did not change their TV habits.

Other Effects of TV Watching

Obesity isn’t the only health concern for TV fans.  Adults who watch even 14 hours of TV per week show increased signs of Metabolic Syndrome (aka Syndrome X).  These symptoms include insulin resistance, high cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Overeating is another problem associated with watching TV.   People tend to eat larger meals when their attention is elsewhere. Snacking on chips, sodas, etc., is also very common when watching TV.  Being sedentary for hours is bad enough, but coupled with mindless eating too? No wonder Americans are becoming obese.

Emotional Affects of Watching TV

Perhaps one of the greatest dangers from watching TV is the hypnotic effect it can produce on our minds.  TV is a covert method of mind control. Most shows deal with one or more of the following: crime, violence, substance abuse,  bad relationships, dysfunctional families.  How are our youth supposed to view the world and live their lives?  Well, like the characters in the TV shows of course. There is one show that appeals to young adults (Vampire Diaries) where the main characters are teenagers and they drink all day long.  The characters often start drinking in the morning, or anytime there is any sort of problem.  What sort of message is that sending to our youth?

Do watching shows with violence and emotional problems make someone feel happy?  Of course not.  Is your TV making you fat?  Watching TV is not good for you physically or spiritually.  Turn off the TV. Go for a walk, play with the kids, spend time doing hobbies, read a book.  Life is around you. TV isn’t real, and it’s bad for your health.

To your Health!

Peter Gillham