Picture this: you’ve had a long day at work. You finally get home, change into something comfy, and all you want is to relax. So you reheat some leftovers or order your go-to comfort food, settle onto the couch, and hit play on the next episode of that show you’ve been binge-watching. It’s a familiar ritual—easy, soothing, and almost automatic. In today’s hyper-connected world, eating while watching something on a screen feels natural.
And honestly, who could blame you? After a packed day, pairing your favourite meal or snack with a new episode or a comfort rewatch is a well-earned treat. But while it may seem like the ultimate way to relax, eating in front of a screen can turn a binge-watching session into a binge-eating one. Today, we’re here to answer the question: Does eating while watching TV make you overeat? Let’s find out.
Does eating while watching TV make you overeat?
Well, the answer is not as simple as one might think. Some studies suggest that being distracted while eating can sometimes lead people to eat less or not eat at all.
But before we start calling screens a diet hack, there’s a catch. While distractions might suppress appetite, they also disrupt your brain’s ability to register what and how much you’ve eaten. This makes it harder to feel full and satisfied, which may lead to overeating.
It’s no surprise, then, that screen time — especially TV viewing — has been repeatedly linked to overeating and weight gain. A recent study found strong evidence that watching television while eating is associated with increased energy intake and may contribute to obesity.
There’s another layer to this: sedentary behaviour. People who regularly eat in front of screens tend to be less active overall, and that lack of movement is a known contributor to weight gain and other health issues.
How to avoid it
There are a few mindful strategies that can help you enjoy your shows and keep your habits in check.
1 – Separate both habits
Eating and watching a show is comfortable, but if you’re going to do it, try to press pause and head to the kitchen or dining table. Being intentional about when and where you eat helps your brain register the meal, making you less likely to overdo it.
2 – Choose your snacks wisely
If you’re snacking, choose complex carbs or protein-rich options that leave you full. Whole-grain crackers, air-popped popcorn or Greek yoghurt are solid options. Stay away from sugary, salty, or caffeinated snacks, especially late at night.
3 – Set limits
Portion your food before you start watching. And while you’re at it, decide how long you’ll watch, too. Setting boundaries for both snacking and screen time can help you stay mindful, even if it means pausing your favourite show to end the meal.
4 – Keep your hands busy
Snacking often happens out of boredom, not hunger. Activities like knitting, doodling or squeezing a stress ball can keep you distracted and, at the same time, prevent you from reaching for more snacks.
