A review of published studies in the past 40 years has shown a higher risk of diabetes, heart problems and early death among people who watch lots of television, US researchers said.

The results by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health are published in the June 15 Journal of the American Medical Association.

More than two hours per day of TV-watching boosted risk of type two diabetes and heart disease, while more than three hours a day increased a person’s risk of dying prematurely.

Each two-hour increment in viewing per day was linked to a 20 per cent higher risk for type two diabetes; a 15 per cent increased risk for fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease; and a 13 per cent higher risk for all-cause mortality.

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