New research suggests that a sedentary lifestyle is not associated with a poor diet.

American researchers found that the identified associations between TV viewing and a less healthful diet may stem from exposure to advertisements of high calorie foods and "distracted eating" rather than the activity of sitting itself, although a sedentary behavior remains an independent risk factor requiring public health focus.

Previous studies have mostly relied on self-reported screen time or TV viewing, which are not representative of overall sedentary behavior. For their new study, investigators relied on data that used accelerometers, an objective measure of time spent in sedentary behavior to more accurately determine the exposure.

For the study, researchers relied on data that used accelerometers, an objective measure of time spent in sedentary behavior. Participants wore the monitors for four to seven days.

They found that while every minute of additional moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was related to a higher "Healthy Eating Index" (HEI) score, eating more fruits, and consuming fewer empty calories, more minutes per day spent in sedentary time was not significantly associated with overall dietary quality (HEI) and fruit and vegetables intake; however, more sedentary time was significantly associated with a lower intake of empty calories.

The researchers say their results, relying on accelerometer data to objectively measured sedentary time in relation to dietary quality are unique and have rarely been explored.

They caution that although accelerometers are an objective measure of activity, they do not capture all forms of physical activity (e.g. cycling, swimming), and are not able to discern the specific type sedentary behavior performed. Furthermore, monitors were worn for a short period of time, so might not be representative of longer-term habitual activity levels.

Nonetheless, the authors say reducing and breaking up sedentary time might need to be targeted independently of encouraging adherence to dietary guidelines when designing and implementing programs aimed at chronic disease prevention.

The findings are detailed in the journal Preventive Medicine.