Sitting on the couch and staring at the idiot box could be taking years off your life - 4.8 years to be exact, scientists have warned
u00a0
Australian researchers have found that for every hour of television viewed by a person over the age of 25, their life expectancy is reduced by 22 minutes, News.com.au reported.
ADVERTISEMENT
u00a0
The study was based on an average six hours viewing per day, compared to a person who watches no television.
u00a0
Using data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, the researchers generated life-expectancy tables based on the viewing habits of average Australians.
u00a0
Representational picture
u00a0
The results were alarming.
u00a0
“TV viewing time may be associated with a loss of life that is comparable to other major chronic disease risk factors such as physical inactivity, smoking and obesity,” the study found.
u00a0
“These findings suggest that substantial loss of life may be associated with prolonged TV viewing time among Australian adults.”
u00a0
The research also revealed that in 2008, Australians aged 25 and older watched a total of 9.8 billion hours of TV that year alone.
u00a0
Recent studies in the US also concluded that the average American spent 35.5 hours a week watching TV.
u00a0
The study is the first of it’s kind to analyse the impact of television viewing on life expectancy, and has called for a public health case to warn adults of the risks of watching too much television.u00a0
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
