BUFFALO, N.Y., March 4 (UPI) -- A University at Buffalo study found a device that restricted video viewing time resulted in skinnier children, compared to children without restriction.
A device called TV Allowance was put in the homes of 70 boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 7 who had a ratio of height to weight or body mass index above the 75th percentile. Nearly half had a BMI above the 95th percentile.
The children were randomly assigned to be either an "intervention" home where their video time was reduced by 10 percent per week until viewing was reduced by 50 percent or a control home where video time was monitored but not restricted.
The study, published in Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, found the intervention group showed a steady decline in BMI over the two years, while the control group showed an increase followed by a steady decline.
Study first author Leonard Epstein, of the University of Buffalo, points out the device costs about $100 and could be a simple and inexpensive intervention.
"Although the changes overall were modest, a small effect magnified across the population, may produce important reductions in obesity and obesity-related health problems," Epstein said in a statement.
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