Have you ever unintentionally finished an entire snack while sitting in front of the television? Yale University study found that TV food ads increase the number of calories consumed by children and adults.

In one test children aged 7 to 11 who watched a half-hour cartoon that included food ads ate 45 percent more snacks while watching the program compared to children who watched the same show with non-food commercials. Unless countered by a decreased intake of other foods or increased physical activity, the increased amount of snacking could lead to a weight gain of about 10 pounds in a year, said researchers.

In the second experiment, adults who watched commercials for unhealthy foods ate much more than those who saw ads featuring messaged about healthy food or good nutrition.

Have no worries snacking in moderation isn’t bad. Read RH’s “Got Munchies” to learn how to snack right.