Action films could be bad for health, suggests study

Health experts have often warned about the harmful effects of watching TV shows or movies while eating a meal. But if a new study is right, it's not merely the act of watching, but what you are viewing that can have an impact on your eating habits. A study conducted by researchers at Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab has found that people watching action movies consumed almost twice as much as those watching a talk show. Researchers divided 94 undergraduate students in three groups – one group viewed an action flick, The Island, the second watched the talk show Charlie Rose, and the third also watched The Island without any sound. The students were given M&Ms, cookies, carrots and grapes to snack on. The first group consumed twice as much snacks than the second and even the third group consumed a significant amount. It seems the more distracting the show, the more people will eat.

FOOD AS AN EMOTIONAL CRUTCH

Obesity and lifestyle disease consultant Naini Setalvad explains that as adrenaline levels rise, people tend to use food as as an emotional crutch. "As the body is in anxiety mode, one tends to unconsciously consume more food. One often eats the whole pack of popcorn while watching a film. This study may not be wrong as one is supposed to eat meals in total silence. However, that doesn't happen as Indian dining tables are always noisy. If one is eating peacefully, without other distractions, one might just eat less," says Naini.

EATING BECOMES SECONDARY

Studies have shown that we shouldn't be multitasking while eating says Niti Desai, consultant nutritionist. "When talking to patients one of the first things I ask them is if they watch television or are surfing the internet while eating meals. In such cases, the mind is not focussed on eating and one doesn't feel satiated easily. When it comes to action films, sometimes people get so engrossed in the story that eating becomes secondary. This may cause a person to take a second or third helping. Those who are prone to this habit should instead take a serving in a bowl, instead of sitting with the entire box of snacks."

LEARN TO RELISH FOOD

Pooja Makhija, nutritionist and clinical dietitian warns that any alternate activity – be it watching a movie or even reading a book – while eating can make you consume more. "While watching action films, one experiences an adrenaline rush, causing the heart to beat faster, eyes get dilated and everything you do (including eating) becomes faster. Most people eat dinner while watching the TV, when in fact it should be a standalone experience. When not distracted, one tends to chew longer and relish the flavours of the food more, doing more justice to one's health in the long run," states Pooja.