Watching Netflix can help you lose weight, study finds

Losing weight owes most to your overall lifestyle choices - and that includes the TV you watch. Research shows watching ad-free TV can help you lose weight

Netflix is a feature in millions of homes - and it's easy to see why. Your favourite films, TV shows and documentaries are all available at the touch of a button. Aside from ingraining every single scene from Breaking Bad onto your retina, there is an even bigger benefit to a Netflix marathon. This relates to your waistline. You may be thinking 'how does sitting in front of the TV help me lose weight?' Of course, you need to stay physically active to burn sufficient calories, but losing weight also demands a considered approach to diet and nutrition. The food and drink you choose to consume has a massive impact on fighting off flab. Where Netflix differs from traditional TV is its lack of advertisements. Junk food ads prompt people to overeat - a fact discovered by Yale University. This is achieved by tapping into your subconscious. The Yale study found 45% more food was consumed after exposure to junk food advertising. That is a staggering amount, and certainly the difference between staying trim or not. On a similar note, it is advised never to do your weekly food shop when hungry. Do it right after dinner. When you're hungry and shopping, your impulse to purchase high-sugar, high-fat and high-calorie food is much higher. When you don't crave that kind of food, you won't buy it. That means your fridge also won't be stacked with the stuff. How many times do you find yourself grabbing something from the fridge just because it's there? If all that comes into contact with your eyeline are nutrient-rich whole foods, then you're going to eat less and feel better. How many meals should you eat each day? Leading exercise scientist shares his view