Khaberni - Sitting in front of the television with some snacks might seem like a familiar choice during the holiday season, but recent scientific studies warn that this habit can lead to significantly more weight gain than many might expect.
According to recent research, people who eat while watching television consume larger amounts compared to those who use their smartphones or eat without any distractions, as distractions prevent the brain from realizing the amount of food consumed, according to the Daily Mail.
Caloric increase by 25%
An American study showed that calorie intake increases by about 25% when eating while watching television compared to eating with the screen off.
Researchers from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts conducted an experiment involving 114 volunteers of both sexes to study the effect of television and smartphones on the amount of food consumed. The participants believed they were participating in a study on "multitasking".
TV stimulates overeating more
During the experiment, the same amount of potato chips and M&M’s chocolate was presented to all participants, before dividing them into three groups: a group watching television, another using a smartphone, and a third eating without any distractions.
The results, published in the journal Physiology and Behavior, showed that television viewers consumed an average of 164 calories per person, compared to 131 calories for those who ate without watching it.
On the other hand, no significant differences were recorded between smartphone users and people who ate without any distractions.
Health warning
Researchers confirmed that watching television enhances overeating and supports unhealthy eating patterns, stressing that avoiding it during meals could help improve nutritional awareness and healthy behavior.
They attributed the lack of increased eating among smartphone users to their hands being occupied with the device, while watching television allows more freedom to eat unconsciously of the quantities.
The researchers warned that overeating is a serious health risk, contributing to higher rates of early death and diseases, and may have a cumulative negative impact exceeding other harmful habits combined.
