Effect of television viewing at mealtime on food intake after a glucose preload in boys

Television viewing (TVV) is considered a contributing factor to the development of childhood obesity yet it is unclear whether obesity results, in part, from increased energy intake during TVV. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of TVV on food intake (FI) of boys at a meal and its effect on caloric compensation at the test meal after a premeal glucose drink. On four separate mornings and in random order, boys received equally sweetened preloads containing Splenda sucralose or glucose [1.0 g/kg body weight (BW)] in 250 mL of water 2 h after a standard breakfast. Food intake from a pizza meal was measured 30 min later with or without TVV. Both preload treatment (p < 0.01) and TVV (p < 0.001) affected FI (kcal). TVV increased lunchtime FI by an average of 228 kcal. Glucose suppressed FI in the no TVV condition compared with control, but the effect was not statistically significant during TVV. Body composition and subjective appetite scores were positively associated with FI at the test lunch. In conclusion, TVV while eating a meal contributes to increased energy intake by delaying normal mealtime satiation and reducing satiety signals from previously consumed foods.