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Watching Television While Eating Increases Food Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies
Dresshti Garg1, Evelyn Smith1,2, Tuki Attuquayefio1
1School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia.
Nutrients
|January 11, 2025
Summary
Watching television during meals increases food intake, particularly at the subsequent meal. This effect impacts both children and adults, highlighting television
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Television viewing is associated with increased weight and obesity.
- Potential mechanisms include reduced physical activity and increased food intake due to diminished awareness.
- The impact of television viewing on energy intake requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of television viewing on energy intake compared to its absence.
- To analyze television viewing's impact on immediate and subsequent meal intake.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving children, adolescents, and adults.
- Compared energy intake during television viewing versus no television/distractors.
Main Results:
- A small, significant increase in energy intake was observed with television viewing (g = 0.13).
- Television viewing significantly increased intake at the next meal (g = 0.30).
- No significant effect on immediate intake was found (g = 0.10).
Conclusions:
- Television viewing enhances overall food intake, with a pronounced effect on subsequent meals.
- This finding applies to both pediatric and adult populations.
- Understanding television's influence on eating behaviors can inform public health interventions.
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