Screen link to health problems
Prof Jason Gill UNFIT people who spend excessive amounts of time in front of screens or TVS are twice as much at risk of cardiovascular disease, a study claims.
Researchers also found a link between a high level of discretionary screen time and an increase in “all-cause mortality” including cancer.
Prof Jason Gill, a lead author of the University of Glasgow findings, said: “Our study has potential implications for public health guidance.
“This data suggests that specifically targeting those with low fitness and strength to reduce their sedentary behaviour may be an effective approach.” NO amount of sausage, bacon or booze is safe, experts say – as even a little can raise the risk of cancer.
Processed meat including ham, burgers and kebabs are a direct cause of bowel cancer, according to the respected World Cancer Research Fund.
And by making people overweight it also increases the risk of many other cancers, its new guidelines warned.
The WCRF also urged people to cut out booze to avoid the increased risk of stomach, bowel, oesophagus, breast, liver and throat cancer.
It said in a report: “Even small amounts of alcoholic drinks can increase the risk... There is no level of consumption below which there is no increase.”
On processed meats it added that “no level of intake can confidently be associated with a lack of risk of bowel cancer”. It was part of a 10-point plan to cut the risk of cancer by 40% in the WCRF’S third 10-yearly report, which follows the biggest ever global analysis of 51 million people. Dr Giota Mitrou of WCRF said: “The recommendation is to drink water and unsweetened drinks and to limit consumption of processed foods.”
But British experts said there is no need to quit booze and bacon altogether. Prof Linda Bauld of Cancer Research UK said: “A bacon butty or glass of wine every so often isn’t anything to worry about.”
Separate research found Cyprus, Italy, Greece and Spain were worst of 35 nations for obesity levels among kids aged seven to nine as they turned away from the healthy Mediterranean diet.
■ Boys who gain weight during puberty are 50% more likely to develop colon cancer as adults, a study at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found. WARNING Dr Giota Mitrou