We know that watching television for too long is not a healthy habit. But, according to a new study, too much TV also increased the consumption of sugar and caffeine in teens.
The new research was carried out by scientists from at McMaster University and California State University at Fullerton, and it explored the link between the sugar and energy drinks intake and the amount of time spent on watching TV in teens.
The researchers conducted their study on about 32,400 teenagers between the 8th and 10th grades. The results revealed that the time spent on watching TV remained at the same level as in 2013, while the consumption of energy drinks lowered.
However, teens now use to consume more sugar than the recommended daily dose and more caffeine. Each hour in the front of the TV counts, researchers warned. The more teens spend time watching the TV, the more sugar and caffeine they consume.
Too Much TV Linked To Increased Sugar and Caffeine Consumption in Teens
“It isn’t a huge amount. I think what struck me was the likelihood of exceeding daily added sugar just from these beverages was increased by a third. And that was concerning for me,” explained Dr. Katherine Morrison from the McMaster’s department of pediatrics and the study’s co-author. The paperwork was issued in the journal PLOS ONE.
Each extra hour in front of the television accounted for 32 percent higher risks of increased sugar intake.
“There have been other papers that have sort of suggested in adults that television viewing is associated with more distracted consumption of sugary beverages and perhaps food in general,” Dr. Katherine Morrison added.
Almost the same results were noticed in the case of caffeine consumption. Teens that spend too much time watching television consumed increased amounts of caffeine. “And the excess caffeine, it can impact sleep, and it impacts concentration abilities,” also said Dr. Morrison.