Children and television : childhood obesity and television watching

Abstract

This dissertation examines the possible impact that time spent watching television may have on childhood obesity, a problem which is growing rapidly in Malta. This study was conducted through quantitative research, utilizing questionnaires which were answered by 101 children whose age ranged from 8 to 11 years old, and which are coming from two state schools and two Church schools in Malta. The main focus is on children, their viewing habits regarding television, and their lifestyle. From the sample which was selected no relationship was found between time spent watching television and levels of Body Mass Index in a child, although there appears to be a relationship between the Body Mass Index of a child and having a television set in the bedroom