How box-set binges ‘could prove fatal if you’re unfit’
TOO much time spent watching TV or staring at devices with screens has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and death.
New research, led by the University of Glasgow, found a ‘strong association’ between leisure screen time and ill health.
The risk was found to be especially high among those who lack fitness.
Jason Gill, professor of cardiometabolic health at the university’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, 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.’
The study did not look at whether sedentary behaviour increased the risk of ill health, or whether ill health caused people to be more sedentary.
Academics, however, say their findings have ‘potential implications’ for public health guidance. Professor Gill added: ‘Specifically targeting those with low fitness and strength to reduce their sedentary behaviour may be an effective approach.’
The study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, involved 390,089 participants, aged 40-69, drawn from population study group the UK Biobank.
Researchers analysed the amount of ‘discretionary’ screen time they had daily. Higher levels overall were associated with a higher risk of heart disease, cancer and death, regardless of participants’ weight, smoking, diet and physical activity levels. Among people with the lowest fitness levels, those who racked up five hours or more of screen time a day were almost twice as likely to have health problems such as heart disease. They were also more likely to have died within five years.
But those who had the highest fitness levels were only slightly more likely to have died within five years. Prolonged sitting has long been associated with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, weight gain and mental health problems.
The study is the first of its kind to look at ill health and death associated screen time.
Almost two-fifths of Scots adults are classed as physically inactive, which means they fail to meet Government recommenfamily dations on physical activity. The average UK adult spends almost 30 hours a week watching TV. Obesity levels north of the Border are projected to reach 40 per cent by 2030, with diet and exercise key factors.
In a worldwide study on physical activity and screen time among children, Scotland ranked among the worst in the world alongside countries such as China and Estonia.
Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum said: ‘This research is a timely reminder that excessive screen time can come close to being a killer.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We are encouraging everyone to be more active, more often, as we recognise physical activity is one of the best things we can do to improve our overall health.
‘That’s why we have put in place record investment in Active Travel, doubling funding to £80million in 2018-19 (and) invested £168million through Sportscotland to help deliver upgraded sporting facilities.’
‘The research is a timely reminder’