Watching too much TV could lead to higher risk of heart disease and cancer
Too long spent watching television or looking at a computer screen during leisure time is linked to a higher risk of death and heart disease, according to new research.
The study, led by the University of Glasgow and published today in BMC Medicine, has revealed a strong association between discretionary screen time and adverse health outcomes, particularly in those with low fitness, low muscle strength or poor physical activity levels.
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Discretionary screen time is an important contributor to overall sedentary behaviour, which is associated with higher risk of mortality and cardioÂvascular disease. This is the largest single study to focus on this area.
The researchers looked at 390,089 participants from the UK Biobank and analysed their amount of discretionary screen time.
The team found the association between a high level of time spent staring at a screen and adverse health outcomes was almost twice as strong in those with low fitness levels or low grip strength, but were much smaller in those who had the highest levels of fitness and grip strength.
Linked to low levels of fitness
Prof Jason Gill, one of the lead authors, said: 'Our study shows that the risks associated with sedentary behaviour may not be the same for everyone, with the association between leisure time screen use and adverse health outcomes being strongest in those with low levels of physical activity, fitness or strength.
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