Watching too much TV could lead to higher risk of heart disease and cancer

Too long spent watching television or looking at a computer screen during leisure time is linked to a higher risk of death and heart disease, according to new research.

The study, led by the University of Glasgow and published today in BMC Medicine, has revealed a strong association between discretionary screen time and adverse health outcomes, particularly in those with low fitness, low muscle strength or poor physical activity levels.

Risk of mortality and cardio­vascular disease

Discretionary screen time is an important contributor to overall sedentary behaviour, which is associated with higher risk of mortality and cardio­vascular disease. This is the largest single study to focus on this area.

The researchers looked at 390,089 participants from the UK Biobank and analysed their amount of discretionary screen time.

The team found the association between a high level of time spent staring at a screen and adverse health outcomes was almost twice as strong in those with low fitness levels or low grip strength, but were much smaller in those who had the highest levels of fitness and grip strength.

Linked to low levels of fitness

Prof Jason Gill, one of the lead authors, said: 'Our study shows that the risks associated with sedentary behaviour may not be the same for everyone, with the association between leisure time screen use and adverse health outcomes being strongest in those with low levels of physical activity, fitness or strength.

'This has potential implications for public health guidance as, if the findings are causal, these data suggest that specifically targeting those with low fitness and strength to reduce their sedentary behaviour may be an effective approach.'

The researchers also found that higher levels of screen time were associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality, as well as a higher risk of both heart disease and cancer.

The findings were independent of physical activity, grip strength, BMI, smoking, diet and other major confounding factors, including socio-economic status.

Dr Carlos Celis, first author of the study, said: 'If the discretionary screen time health associations we found in this study are causal, it suggests people with the lowest levels of strength, fitness and physical activity could potentially gain the greatest benefit from health promotion interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviours.

'While fitness testing can be difficult to measure in healthcare and community settings, grip strength is a quick, simple and cheap to measure so could easily be implemented as a screening tool.'

Originally published in our sister title, The Scotsman