According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 8-16 years olds watch 3 to 5 hours of television a day and have a higher incidence of obesity.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) stated that 27% of children surveyed watched 4 hours of television a day, and 68% watched at least 2 hours. The survey also showed that children were getting less exercise and were participating less in physical activities. There is a direct correlation between watching too much television, sedentary activity, and obesity.
A study found in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine showed that decreasing sedentary activity and increasing physical activity helps children lose weight and lower their BMI. The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) also found that children who engage in more sedentary activity and less physical activity were more likely to be obese.
The International Journal of Obesity published an article proving that physical activity is essential in the fight against obesity. The article also found that children who watch too much television are less likely to engage in "play time" or exercise and spend more time engaged in sedentary activity.
In order for our children to avoid developing health problems we must decrease the amount of time children spend watching television. The increased exposure to food ads and the lack of physical activity will cause children to become obese and develop health problems.