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Abstract
This study assesses the relationship between time use and body mass index (BMI) and shows time use changes since the 1970s. The analyses suggest eating-related time, food preparation time (for women only), and television viewing time are all linked to BMI. Between 1975-76 and 2006-07, American women and men spent less time in primary eating/drinking activities and more in secondary eating/drinking. Food preparation and clean-up time declined substantially for women while it increased modestly for men. Television/video viewing time rose modestly. Analyses suggest that socio-demographic shifts, especially the decline in married couples with minor children, the decline in men’s employment, and the rise in women’s employment, may be contributing to less healthy weight-related time use choices.