A review paper published in this month’s Obesity Reviews journal reports that eating while watching television may be a risk factor for being overweight or obese in childhood and adolescence.

The review included 20 papers with data from a number of countries including European countries. Data for over 80,000 children and adolescents were included. Main findings from the review include:

• 75% of studies found positive associations between TV viewing while eating meals and overweight and obesity
• This association was found to be true for boys and girls and for when children were eating dinner but not when eating other meals

For more information take a look at our tips for reducing screen time.