TV out of tune with good diet

CHICAGO - Children in families that habitually watch television during meals eat less fruit and vegetables and consume more junk food than those that dine with the box switched off, say US researchers.

The report from Tufts University in Boston was based on the eating habits of 91 families.

Researcher Katharine Coon said she believed TV itself - and the kinds of food advertised heavily on it - could be a powerful influence.

People who ate dinner watching television tended to go for easy routine, no mess meals, she said.

The food culture promoted in advertising also supported that attitude.

The study also concluded that TV meals were more commonly found in the homes of less educated mothers, who were less aware of the attributes of foods.

- REUTERS