Second, based on these figures, this means the average Australian will have spent a staggering nine years of their life in front of the box, by the time they hit 70.

We all know that sitting in front of the box for that amount of time also makes us fatter, not only because we're being sedentary, but because many of us essentially live a TV diet.

Sit-down meals are frequently missed and our mouths become endless black holes as we're glued to the screen. Of course, all this eating is fuelled even further by advertisements flogging high-fat fare.

'It should be a golden rule to never have the main family meal in front of the TV,' says Dr Clare Collins, associate professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle. 'Studies show people who watch a lot of TV are more likely to be overweight, not just because they're sedentary, but also because they eat without thinking.

'After all, you're more likely to eat unconsciously while your mind is otherwise occupied with the high drama of Grey's Anatomy.

Your mouth starts working overtime, and the result is an empty monster-sized bag of crisps or family block of chocolate, which you didn't realise you ate.'

Beat the box

Want to know how to wean your family off TV eating? Follow these tips:

1. Get a table mentality 'I agree eating main meals in front
of the television is a big no-no,' says accredited practising dietitian Kate Di Prima. 'In the digital age of mobiles, emails and computerised voice operators, often the family mealtime is the only time you get to have a real human conversation.

Children internalise a lot and can avoid discussing things that are bothering them when they have TV to distract them. So sit-down meals are essential for children and teenagers because it's a key time to nut out the day's issues.'

2. Sneak a snack 'Main meals aside though, we all like to break the rules sometimes and television is part of life. So if you're going to snack in front of the television, don't eat from cartons, packets or boxes,' Kate says.

'Serve out a controlled portion in the kitchen. If it's for kids, I offer snack-sized foods on a picnic rug, such as popcorn, healthy muffins, two pieces of fruit chopped up, or cubes of cheese and carrot sticks. I also serve it on individual plates, because studies show people eat more from bigger plates or communal plates.'

3. Set Limits Try to set limits for when it's OK to turn the TV on and a definite time to turn it off. For example, no television in the afternoon or evenings until homework or dinner is over. And encourage physical activity instead by engaging the family in organised team sports or having balls, skipping ropes or bikes close to the front door for easy access.

4. Stay mobile 'Get up in the ad breaks and do a small job
such as folding washing,' Dr Collins says. Or put an exercise bike in front of the television and substitute your snacks for exercise.'

The doc's TV dip

Here's my favourite healthy TV snack

Ingredients

• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 3 tsps lemon juice
• 2 medium cans drained cannellini beans
• 1 can artichoke hearts
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Process ingredients in a blender. Serve with baked mountain bread, cut into triangles. You can also use celery or carrots as dipping sticks. It beats the crisps hands down - and your waistline will thank you! 

My other tip to beat the TV munchies is to substitute food with water or tea.