EPIDEMIC OBESITY IN THE UNITED-STATES - ARE FAST FOODS AND TELEVISIONVIEWING CONTRIBUTING

Objectives. This study examined the association between TV viewing, fa st food eating, and body mass index. Methods. Associations between hou rs of TV viewing, frequency of eating at fast food restaurants, body m ass index, and behaviors were assessed cross sectionally and longitudi nally over 1 year in 1059 men and women. Results. Fast food meals and TV viewing hours were positively associated with energy intake and bod y mass index in women but not in men. TV viewing predicted weight gain in high-income women. Conclusions. Secular increases in fast food ava ilability and access to televised entertainment may contribute to incr easing obesity rates in the United States.