Reducing TV time may decrease the likelihood of serious heart issues.

      An average adult in the United States spends around five hours daily consuming television content, according to Nielsen. Most of this viewing typically occurs in a sedentary position on a cozy sofa or bed. Recent research indicates that reducing TV viewing time by just one hour could lower the likelihood of heart and blood vessel diseases, particularly for individuals at genetic risk for diabetes. This is among the first studies to make a connection between the health risks associated with diabetes and sedentary behavior related to television watching.

      The results are significant, especially when considering local health data. One in ten American adults has diabetes, which amounts to over 38 million individuals in the US. Those with diabetes are at a significantly elevated risk of heart diseases, which are the leading cause of deaths in the country.

      According to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the risk of developing heart conditions increases by 12% when daily TV watching time extends from one hour to several hours.

      For individuals at medium to high genetic risk for Type 2 diabetes, watching TV for less than one hour a day does not contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. “Type 2 diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle, including prolonged sitting, are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases,” states Younwon Kim, the study's lead author and a faculty member at The University of Hong Kong in Pokfulam.

      This is not the first study that connects such viewing habits with health issues; in 2021, the AHA reported that time spent watching TV or using a computer can elevate stroke risk. The body of research also linked moderate to high levels of TV watching with cognitive problems and a higher likelihood of dementia.

      “Television viewing, which constitutes more than half of daily sedentary activities, is consistently associated with a heightened risk of Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis,” says Kim. The researchers suggest that the time spent watching television could serve as a behavioral target for diabetes patients susceptible to heart disease.

      The study emphasizes that sedentary behavior, such as watching TV while sitting, may serve as a potential intervention for everyone, not just those at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Experts from the American Heart Association (AHA) have also pointed out the negative impact of sedentary behavior on heart health in discussions with Digital Trends.

      Nadeem is a technology and science journalist who began exploring interesting smartphone technology out of curiosity and quickly developed a passion for it.

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