Televisions in Kids' Rooms Linked to Obesity and Heart Disease

Does your kid have a boob tube in their bedroom? A new study finds that this could put them at higher risk for obesity, diabetes and heart disease, reports TODAY Moms.

The study, conducted by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, measured the blood pressure, height, weight and waist of 369 local children. The ones with televisions in their rooms were 2.5 times as likely to have more fat mass and belly fat, putting them at a greater risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Of the children who had TVs in their room, one-third log five hours or more of TV time a day. 

While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against TV in kids' bedrooms, some parents have voiced their support of it. Lori Garcia of Babble.com wrote in a blog post: "I don’t see anything wrong with a TV in my toddler’s room so long as it’s utilized responsibly. As with all things, moderation and parental guidance are key. TV keeps us both a little more sane and with a toddler, I’ll take my sanity wherever I can find it."