A recent survey showed that overweight children reported eating nearly 50 percent more dinners while watching television than their normal-weight peers. We also know that people who watch television while eating tend to tune out their natural hunger and satiety cues which encourages overeating. Increased television watching also increases the influence TV programming has on children's food preferences. Food commercials are designed to sell a product by tying foods to having fun and being attractive or popular. We rarely see foods marketed for how they fit into a healthy diet.
Studies show that children tend to request the foods most frequently advertised on television.
Unfortunately, these foods tend to be low in nutritional value. Research shows that children whose families keep the television off during mealtimes tend to consume more fruits and vegetables, less saturated fat and more of several key nutrients. Positive family mealtime conversations help build children's self esteem and foster trusting relationships. This helps families build the skills necessary to work through tough issues together. Positive family mealtimes are necessary for teens as well as younger children.