Sunday 28/December/2025 – 12:05 AM
Eating snacks in front of the TV screen is a common habit, especially during holidays and festive seasons, but… studies A recent study revealed that this behavior may be one of the hidden reasons for weight gain, beyond using a smartphone while eating, according to Find Study.
A study reveals which type of food you gain more weight while eating
Scientific research indicates that eating in the presence of distractions, most notably television, prevents the brain from realizing the true amount being consumed, which prompts the person to unconsciously eat larger quantities, according to what was reported by the Daily Mail website.
A recent American study showed that calorie consumption increases by about 25% when eating while watching TV compared to eating without turning on the screen.
The study was conducted by researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, with the participation of 114 male and female volunteers who believed they were part of an experiment related to multitasking.
During the experiment, all participants were given the same amount of potato chips and M&M’s, and were then divided into three groups:
- A group watching TV
- A group using a smartphone
- A group eating without any distractions
The results, published in the journal Physiology and Behavior, showed that people who watched television consumed an average of 164 calories, compared to only 131 calories among those who ate without watching television.
In contrast, no clear differences were recorded between smartphone users and people who ate without any distraction.
The researchers explained that watching television encourages unconscious eating, as the hands remain free to eat constantly, unlike using the phone, which occupies the hands and reduces overeating.
The research team warned that overeating is one of the most dangerous health habits, as it contributes to increased rates of obesity, chronic diseases, and premature death, and its negative impact may exceed some other unhealthy habits.
The researchers confirmed that avoiding watching TV during meals may be a simple but effective step to improve dietary behavior and maintain a healthy weight.
