Epidemic obesity in the United States: Are fast foods and television viewing contributing?

Objectives. This study examined the association between TV viewing, fast food eating, and body mass index. Methods. Associations between hours of TV viewing, frequency of eating at fast food restaurants, body mass index, and behaviors were assessed cross sectionally and longitudinally over 1 year in 1059 men and women. Results. Fast food meals and TV viewing hours were positively associated with energy intake and body mass index in women but not in men. TV viewing predicted weight gain in high-income women. Conclusions. Secular increases in fast food availability and access to televised entertainment may contribute to increasing obesity rates in the United States.