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CHICAGO (CBS) — A new study says spending too much time in front of your TV could result in a greater chance of some serious health problems.
The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at 170,000 people involved in eight major studies over the past 41 years.
Researchers determined that people who watch two or more hours of TV per day have a greater chance of developing Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Frank Hu of the Harvard School for Public Health tells Newsradio 780 that research indicates Americans spend an average of five hours a day in front of a TV.
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Hu says there should be “increased awareness about the potential health hazards of excessive TV watching.”
The research indicates that watching even two hours of TV per day can increase your chances of diabetes by 20 percent and your risk of heart disease by 15 percent.
Dr. Hu says, “The message is simple. For those who spend a lot of time in front of TV, they should cut back on TV watching and get out off the couch.”
