2007

6

Dec

TV Watching Makes Children Overweight, Says New Study

The more time a three-year old child spends in front of the TV, the more calories he consumes, according to Harvard researchers. Increased TV watching is associated with larger intake of junk-food and decreased intake of healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, dietary fibers, or calcium.

Every hour spent in front of the TV makes children drink more sugar-sweetened beverages, and brings almost forty-seven extra calories per day, said Sonia Miller, lead author of the study.

Although forty-six extra calories per day may seem unimportant, in time this can make a difference, according to Matthew Gillman, co–author of the study. The study proved that poor dietary habits are strongly related to increased TV or video watching.

Most of the children watched TV or video for almost two hours per day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children under two years old do not watch TV or video, while the two-years or older watch TV for no more than two hours per day.

It is commonly believed that there is a strong relationship between watching TV and obesity, because of the extra-food eaten while watching TV. However, another important factor that gets overlooked is the lack of physical activity. Children can get little physical activity even if they don’t watch much TV. Alternatively, they can get a lot of exercise even if they spend a lot of time in front of the TV, says Gillman.

Researchers don`t know for sure whether the food that is advertised on TV makes the children eat more or not, however it is clear that children eat more while watching TV.

The American Heart Association (-am pus link…pune link catre ei “sub” nume) recommends that sedentary children watch TV or video for no more than one or two hours per day. Children should have at least sixty minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day.

Filed under: Diet & Fitness No Comments » Posted by admin

2007

26

Nov

Gaining Weight After Quitting Smoking?

Quitting smoking is a significant improvement to one’s health, but some people gain weight if they stop smoking, while others don`t. A reason for that might be the fact that the body burns calories faster while smoking and returns to its normal calorie burning rate after quitting.

That is not the only reason. People may feel hungrier than usual during that period and eat more high-fat snacks or drink more alcohol, but this feeling usually disappears after a while.

No doubt, quitting smoking brings only rewards: whiter teeth, a clearer voice, fresher breath, a healthier-looking skin, and more energy. The weight gain that might appear when you try quitting smoking may be avoided, and doesn`t hurt your health as smoking does.

Healthy eating and drinking habits can make a difference. Eat enough at meal times, choose healthy snacks between meals, like popcorn, fresh/canned fruits, or fat-free yogurt. Don`t be too hard on yourself and take an occasional “treat” (for example, a small ice cream cone).

Instead of alcoholic beverages, choose sparkling water, herbal tea, or hot cocoa with low-fat milk. A moderate physical activity can make the body stay in shape, maintain weight and breathe easier.

Even thirty minutes of daily moderate activity may count. Some of the following ideas can make you become more active: go for a walk more often, park the car further, get off the bus before reaching the destination, use the stairs if they are well lit, or take some dance classes.

The information provided is not medical advice, and is not meant to replace a specialist’s opinion. Always consult a specialist before making decisions that may affect your health.

Filed under: Diet & Fitness No Comments » Posted by admin

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »