TV ‘raises kids’ blood pressure’

Children who watch a lot of television not only raise their risk of obesity but also the chance of developing high blood pressure, a new study suggests.

US researchers studying over 500 children found that the amount of time spent watching television was linked to the severity of obesity as well as the presence of high blood pressure.

The UK government’s Foresight report estimated earlier this month that if current levels continue then a quarter of children will be obese by 2050.

Obesity is linked to an increased risk of type two diabetes, certain types of cancer and cardiovascular problems including hypertension (high blood pressure).

For today’s study the researchers analysed data from 546 children aged between four and 17, including blood pressure, weight, height and amount of time spent watching television.

Writing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the researchers say that both the severity of obesity and daily television time were significant independent predictors of the presence of high blood pressure.

Children who watched between two and four hours of television a day had a 2.5 times increased risk of high blood pressure compared to those watching less than two hours a day.