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Too much TV for children linked to hypertension

Previous studies have linked excess TV to obesity in children. Now a new study by the University of California has linked excess TV to hypertension in children.

It is estimated that 17% of children and adolescent in the U.S. are obese. Obesity is a known risk factor for developing high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.

The study

A group of 546 obese children aged 4-17 years old were evaluated over 2 years at weight management clinics in California and Ohio.

The childrens weight, height, BMI and blood pressure levels were taken at each visit. The children and parents were also asked to estimate the time spent each day watching TV.

The results

• Children watching 2 to 4 hours of TV a day were 2.5 times more likely to have hypertension, compared with children watching 0 to <2 hours.
• Children watching 4 or more hours of TV were 3.3 times more likely to have hypertension than for children watching 0 to <2 hours of TV a day.

Author of the researcher article Dr Schwimmer said, "The current study illustrates the need for considerable physician and family involvement to decrease TV time among obese children. Several studies have demonstrated that changing TV time alone can lead to weight loss, without any changes in physical activity."

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