Television Viewing Time is Associated with Overweight/Obesity Among Older Adults, Independent of Meeting Physical Activity and Health Guidelines

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown associations of sedentary behavior with cardiovascular risk, independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, few studies have focused on older adults. This study examined the joint associations of television (TV) viewing time and MVPA with overweight/obesity among Japanese older adults.MethodsA population-based, cross-sectional mail survey was used to collect self-reported height, weight, time spent in TV viewing, and MVPA from 1806 older adults (age: 65–74 years, men: 51.1%). Participants were classified into 4 categories according to TV viewing time (dichotomized into high and low around the median) and MVPA level (dichotomized into sufficient and insufficient by the physical activity guideline level of ≥150 minutes/week). Odds ratios (ORs) for overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) were calculated according to the 4 TV/MVPA categories, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsOf all participants, 20.1% were overweight/obese. The median TV viewing time (25th, 75th percentile) was 840 (420, 1400) minutes/week. As compared with the reference category (high TV/insufficient MVPA), the adjusted ORs (95% CI) of overweight/obesity were 0.93 (0.65, 1.34) for high TV/sufficient MVPA, 0.58 (0.37, 0.90) for low TV/insufficient MVPA, and 0.67 (0.47, 0.97) for low TV/sufficient MVPA.ConclusionsIn this sample of older adults, spending less time watching TV, a predominant sedentary behavior, was associated with lower risk of being overweight or obese, independent of meeting physical activity guidelines. Further studies using prospective and/or intervention designs are warranted to confirm the presently observed effects of sedentary behavior, independent of physical activity, on the health of older adults.

The association between ownership of common household devices and obesity and diabetes in high, middle and low income countries

“…7,11,27 This may be because of downregulation of lipoprotein lipase and increased glucose levels. 10,28 Sitting, and more specifically television watching, is associated with poor diet.…”

Sedentary behaviours among adults across Canada

“…Previously, the 2007 CCHS data showed that obesity prevalence was substantially lower in those who watched TV ≤5 hours/week compared to those who watched ≥21 hours/week. 9 Elsewhere, TV viewing has frequently been strongly associated with body fatness, weight status and odds of developing obesity over time, independent of PA. 5,6,17,20,[23][24][25][26] An association between video game playing time and BMI had also been reported. 27 In limited prior research evaluating computer time, some studies corroborate current results showing no relationship with weight status, 5,6,9 while others report a positive association.…”

Análise da publicidade televisiva de alimentos no contexto das recomendações do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira

“…Evidências associam o hábito de assistir à televisão por períodos prolongados com o aumento do risco de desenvolvimento tanto de obesidade 11,12,13,14,15 quanto de outras doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), como hipertensão arterial, doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes 16,17,18,19,20 . Parte dessa relação se deve à exposição do indivíduo à publicidade de alimentos e bebidas que, por sua vez, incentiva o consumo alimentar inadequado 21 .…”