A recent article in the LA Times carried a headline that said, in effect, that watching television makes you gain weight.

No news there – after all, unless you’re doing sprints across the living room while watching your favorite show, you’re not burning calories.

But it isn’t television itself that’s the problem (although we often add insult to injury by snacking while we watch – more on that later). Simply sitting for long periods – whether it’s in front of the big screen or the little one – leads to biochemical changes in the way the body stores fat and sugar that negatively impact health.

We humans were designed to have an active lifestyle. We share our genetics with our ancient hunter-gatherer ancestors who spent many hours a day searching for food. We’re meant to be active all day long, and our biology is adapted to a high level of physical activity. So when our behavior (sitting all day) goes counter to the way we were designed (engaging in lots of physical activity), our biology works against us.

If you’re watching the big screen, don’t couple the (in)activity with snacks. If you can, set up your TV at home so you can stretch, walk on the treadmill or lift weights while you watch. If you spend the day in front of the computer, deliver messages to nearby colleagues in person rather than by phone or e-mail. You can also try sitting on a stability ball or walking on a treadmill at a slow pace while you work.

Written by Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD. Susan is a paid consultant for Herbalife.

7 Responses to “Watch what you eat: does TV make you fat?”

1. Clare says:

   May 12, 2013 at 7:55 pm

   I’ve heard of people have standing computer workstations or, as you say, treadmills but I can’t ever imagine working like that. I think I’d find it hard to concentrate and walk at the same time…maybe it’s something you get used to. I do spend far too much time in front of a computer and have been looking at solutions. I guess taking a break and walking around every 45 minutes is one solution.
2. Rick says:

   April 4, 2013 at 8:46 am

   Eating in front of any screen (TV, movie, computer, smartphone) can lead to distracted eating and hence overeating. But compulsive or anxiety-driven eating may indicate a need for psychiatric intervention. Moderate exercise can be helpful, too.
3. Elba says:

   February 25, 2013 at 8:54 pm

   Its really good stuff very useful information
4. Angie says:

   February 3, 2013 at 2:35 pm

   Thanks for the advice, it is all common sense stuff, thanks for sharing.
5. sony says:

   January 9, 2013 at 10:43 pm

   great. I’m glad that i found a place to get such good information.
6. Samson says:

   November 22, 2012 at 1:31 am

   Its really good stuff, Very useful information thanks! Keep it up good work!
7. carla colon says:

   September 22, 2012 at 3:30 pm

   i would like to know how stop my nervios to eat every moment specially when i am in front the computer. i am a person who like sweet things. i am scared because i already gain 20 pounds i the last months and even i do exercises every day i can loose those pounds