Influence of the time spent watching television on the dietary habits, energy intake and nutrient intake of a group of Spanish adolescents

To investigate the relationship between dietary habits and the length of time spent watching television daily, the food, energy and nutrient intakes of a group of 60 adolescents were quantified. These subjects, between 15 and 17 years of age, attended a state high school in Madrid (Spain). A prospective method using a ''weighed food record'' was used for 5 consecutive days including a Sunday. Results were transformed into energy and nutrient intakes and compared to recommended dietary intakes. Subjects who watched television for 2 or more h/d ate less fruit, legumes, fibre and vitamin C than those who watched less television. The percentage of subjects with nutrient intakes below recommended values was higher amongst those who watched more television. Also, the contribution of macronutrients to their energy intake was less adequate.