Reduced sleep 'can cause weight gain' in girls

Adolescent women who do not get enough sleep could be at greater risk of putting on weight, it has been claimed.

The Growing Up Study from Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Washington University was published in the Journal of Paediatrics and revealed that a lack of sleep can result in increased weight gain.

It also found that increased alcohol consumption and time spent on the internet contributed to weight gain, while drinking coffee beverages did not.

Dr Catherine Berkey said: "These behaviours may promote gradual gains in body weight, but the girls and their parents may not understand why."

She advised girls to spend less time on the internet and more time in bed to help manage their weight.

In March 2008, Awake in America reported that the mean sleep duration among US adults had decreased over the past 20 years.

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