How to Lose Weight: #12: Cut the Cable

David Bennett

I am sure this is one of the most controversial things I will say about losing weight, and maybe to some people, the most extreme suggestion yet, but here goes (bearing in mind that obesity has extreme control over many people, so extreme action is sometimes needed): Cut the Cable.

I probably could have called this "Don't Watch Too Much TV," but criticizing cable is more of an attention-getter. Besides, one way to not watch a lot of TV is to not get very many channels (although sometimes even with hundreds of channels, there isn't much on). I haven't subscribed to cable for years, which has saved me over a thousand dollars. Two things that happened recently reminded me why not having cable not only saves me money, but may save my health. At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, my students were sharing their favorite television shows as an ice-breaker. One girl said, "my mom won't let us get cable because she says it will make our family fat." Her mother is probably right on. I also happened to be reading Super-Sized Kids, which hammers home the same point.

Watching a lot of TV is one good way to get fat. Men watch around 4:35 hours of TV a day, women, 5:14, teens, 3:21, and children 3:25. When you couple this with a nine hour work day, men are either working or watching TV 13:35 hours a day. This doesn't leave much time for physical activity, planning and cooking healthy meals, or getting a decent night's sleep (which as I point out later is essential for maintaining a healthy weight). Plus, it seems like once you plop down in front of the TV, it is very hard to get up. I know obese persons who literally work all day, get home, and sit in front of the TV all night. Then, they go to bed, sometimes also in front of a TV, repeating the process nearly seven days a week. As time passes, this routine becomes easier and easier, because they keep gaining weight, which makes getting active that much more difficult. Some of these folks used to live very active lives, playing a lot of sports and participating in other activities, but sadly, not anymore. Hey, I know that work often wears us out, but the fastest way to get even more worn out is to sit in front of a TV for a few hours.

The negative impact of watching too much television is even greater on children. According to research presented in Super-Sized Kids, pre-school children who watched the most TV had the greatest increases in body fat. Another study found that the amount of television a child watches corresponds directly to the risk of developing serious health problems as an adult. For children of normal weight, watching TV triggers a 12% drop in metabolism, whereas obese children see a 16% drop. I suspect that much of this translates to adults who watch too much TV. Additionally, we don't want our kids growing up overweight, and studies show that if we want our kids to develop healthy habits, we have to model them. We just can't tell our children that too much TV is bad, we have to show them by our actions.

I am not against TV, and watch it probably more than I should. In fact, I took the photo on this page (of Mama from "Mama's Family") one morning when I was visiting my parents. However, without cable at home, I am less likely to sit in front of the TV for too long, because there often isn't much on (NBC comes in fuzzy, and ABC not at all). Last summer, I recall one night when I was "bored," and since there was nothing on the 5 channels I could get with the rabbit ears, my wife and I took a refreshing walk. Had there been something interesting on TV, it is likely I wouldn't have left the house, and wouldn't have walked those extra 4000 steps.

I also think that watching too much TV causes us to miss out on what is good and meaningful in life. I am only speaking for myself of course, but unless I am watching an exceptionally good TV program, I probably couldn't tell you much about it a week later. However, when I am active, i.e. running, hiking, golfing, walking with my wife, going to pick-your-own farms, attending festivals, visiting friends and family, sitting in the sun-room eating breakfast, going to a restaurant with family, taking tours of local attractions, and so forth, I remember these well, and can't wait until they happen again. I feel like I have accomplished something meaningful after doing these things. I don't usually get that feeling after watching TV, although sometimes certain shows do impress me greatly. Even though most kids would probably tell you how much they love TV, and that giving up cable would be tantamount to giving up oxygen, they would probably prefer deep-down to be out doing meaningful stuff with their families and friends. I guess my point is that we would all probably be much healthier - and much happier and fulfilled - if we replaced some of the hours we spend mindlessly in front of the TV with some engaging, calorie-burning activities.

Custom Search

Disclaimer: These tips reflect the insights of one or more individuals about weight loss and other issues of health. These insights are based on personal experience and scientific research, to help you live a life of greater wellness. They should not be construed as medical advice or the services of a dietician. Before beginning any weight loss or exercise program, you should consult a physician.