Byline: JENNY FRIEL

WATCHING television favourites The Simpsons could be bad for your health, according to new research.

The smash hit cartoon series about the dysfunctional family headed by donut-loving Homer could be encouraging children and adults to lead unhealthy lifestyles.

Fianna Fail TD Martin Brady yesterday urged parents to keep an eye on what their youngsters are watching to prevent them becoming too fat.

He said: "A study of the Simpsons found that 50 per cent of references to food were about fatty products, sweets and alcohol. The research makes interesting reading."

The Simpson clan were also criticised in the report for "mindless snacking, high alcohol consumption and the use of food as a bribe or reward."

But it's not the only TV series being cited in the report that was presented to the International Congress of Dietetics.

The comedy series Friends, about a group of New York twenty-somethings, and hospital drama ER were also slammed.

Characters were caught tucking into fry-ups and downing large amounts of coffee and alcohol.

Deputy Brady said: "I would urge parents of young kids to exercise greater control over television programmes they watch and to encourage children to adopt healthy eating habits.

"Nutritionists now believe viewers of TV programmes can be influenced about the way they eat after being bombarded with messages promoting unhealthy eating habits. …