Less TV Helps Obese Kids Lose Weight

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Obesity is a major problem in this country. It is particularly concerning in children where we have more obesity than at any time in the past fifty years. A report in the American Academy of Pediatrics finds cutting kids' TV and computer time helps them lose weight.

We know that watching TV and playing computer games and instant messaging increase inactivity that causes weight gain, but there was another surprising finding. When children were not allowed to use the computer and TV, they cut their calories by half.

This is the remarkable point that we need to take into account. If you get the kids outside playing more often, they will cut their calorie intake and they'll burn the calories with activity.

We know the cause of childhood obesity. We just need to address it.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor