Relaxing in front of the TV with some treats may seem like the perfect night in over Christmas and the New Year. In fact, a US study into eating patterns found that we munch our way through around 25 per cent more calories when we are watching TV compared to eating with the screen off. 'Our findings suggest that TV viewing is likely to promote overeating and unhealthy eating patterns,' said the psychologists who carried out the research. 'When it comes to the question of 'to stream or not to stream', it is likely that avoiding TV viewing while eating snacks and meals is an important recommendation to maintain attention towards eating and to promote better behavioural health.' The findings suggest that TV viewing is likely to promote overeating and unhealthy eating patternsThey concluded TV watchers ate more because 'TV is a distracter and the brain doesn't register exactly what and how much food we have eaten leading to feelings of hunger'.

Source: Daily Mail December 25, 2025 20:52 UTC