JUST in case adult themes, coarse language and sexual references weren't enough to deter you from watching too much TV - maybe risk of early death will.

New research reported in the Journal of American Heart Association found watching three or more hours of television a day can double your risk of dying young.

Scientists studied 13,284 healthy volunteers with an average age of 37 to investigate the links between different kinds of sedentary behaviour and premature death.

Over a period of eight years, they recorded 97 deaths from heart disease, cancer and other causes - the risk of death was twice as high for participants watching three or more hours of TV a day than those watching one hour or less.

Television viewing is a major sedentary behaviour and the research shows there is an increasing trend toward all types of inactive behaviours.

Let's not become the land of couch potatoes!

Figures show two-thirds of Queensland adults are overweight or obese, with only 12 per cent weighing-in with a healthy range.

The obesity epidemic has grown to uncontrollable proportions in the Sunshine State.

We have the highest rate of obesity in the country - more needs to be done to help people get healthy.

Having a poor diet and inactive lifestyle can lead to overweight or obesity, which increases the risk of a range of chronic diseases - including some cancers.

Getting your health back on track doesn't necessarily mean overhauling your whole lifestyle - it can be a few small changes to your meals or physical activity habits that can make a big difference.

Cut down the screen time, sit down to dinner with family or friends and be aware of your portion sizes.

We know up to one-third of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes including engaging in physical activity, eating healthily, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or via the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.