Sedentary lifestyle Numerous studies have proven a relationship between television viewing and the rise in adolescent obesity nationwide. The American Dietetic Association says about 20 percent of children in the United States are obese. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average child watches about 21 hours a week. Americans in general watch upwards of 28 hours a week, or four hours a day. The more hours children watch, the less time they spend outdoors, participating in team sports or other activities.
Obesity is definitely on the rise, and TV is definitely one of the major factors.
Pfeiffer has seen the impact of too much television on the overweight adolescent children who visit his office. More than two-thirds of the children who participate in the program reduce the rate at which they gain weight. Something family-oriented, physically active. To combat the urge to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, the Nagata family of Kane ' ohe heads outdoors on weekends, surfing, biking, shooting hoops or going in-line skating together. Parents should play with their kids.