Many studies have examined the impact of screen time on body weight in youth; however, evidence suggests that these risks extend to other age groups as well. For instance, one study found a significant association between increased television watching and higher body weight in adults. Additionally, other research indicates that women face heightened risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease with every two hours of television watched daily. To better manage your body weight, it can be helpful to limit your screen time and pay closer attention to how it affects your appetite and behavior.

Screen time can take the place of exercise.

Putting on your tennis shoes and going to the gym demands more organization and commitment than just sitting down to watch TV or scrolling through Instagram. It's no wonder that screen time frequently replaces exercise, resulting in fewer calories being burned.

Food ads trigger cravings.

Have you ever noticed your hunger or cravings while watching television commercials or browsing social media? If not, start taking note. Simply seeing a food ad can trigger thoughts about food and prompt you to head straight to the kitchen or the fast-food drive-thru. Reducing screen time can help you better control your cravings by reducing your exposure to these triggers.

Screen time leads to mindless snacking.

Distractions such as television, laptops, and smartphones can contribute to overeating. When you're watching a movie or working on your computer, it's convenient to grab snacks straight from the bag or box. One handful can quickly turn into two, and before you know it, you've eaten half the box. Additionally, not paying attention to the food or truly enjoying it may leave you feeling unsatisfied, even after consuming hundreds of extra calories.

Screen time can interfere with sleep.

Screen time activities can be addictive. You may stay up to finish a show or play a few more rounds of a game, which eats into the hours of sleep you need each night. Additionally, research indicates that light from electronic devices may lower levels of hormones that help regulate sleep patterns. Not getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night can affect appetite hormones, leading to increased hunger and weight gain.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.