bad habit

                                   

Our habit of watching endless hours of TV has often been blamed as a contributor to America’s growing waistline. But according to researchers at Cornell, some television shows are more fattening than others.

The study of television viewing habits shows that fast-moving action movies and series leads TV viewers, on average, to consume twice as much food as other TV fare.

“We find that if you’re watching an action movie while snacking, your mouth will see more action too!” says researcher Aner Tal, Ph.D. “In other words, the more distracting the program is the more you will eat.”

The Cornell study involved about 100 people who munched on carrots, grapes, M&Ms and cookies while watching either “The Island” (considered an action show) with or without sound and a segment of the “Charlie Rose Show” (a non-action talk show).

“People who were watching ‘The Island’ ate almost twice as many snacks – 98 percent more than those watching the talk show!” says researcher Brian Wansink, director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab. “Even those watching ‘The Island’ without sound ate 36 percent more.”

The folks who watched “The Island” consumed hefty helpings, averaging 354 calories. Even those watching “The Island” without sound consumed 314 calories. In comparison, people watching “Charlie Rose” only took in 215 calories.

Tal says: “More stimulating programs that are fast paced, include many camera cuts, really draw you in and distract you from what you are eating. They can make you eat more because you’re paying less attention to how much you are putting in your mouth.”

The Cornell researchers argue that you should measure out your food and snacks before a TV show begins so you don’t overeat. They also advocate having healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.