Study says women gain weight due to lack of housework

Study funded via grant from Coca-Cola Company

The results of a recent study have sparked a debate.

Researchers at the University of South Carolina studied women doing chores from 1965 to 2010.

In the 1960s, women spent an average of 26 hours a week cleaning, cooking and doing laundry.

The time women spent in screen-based media use increased from 8.3 hours a week in 1965 to 16.5 hours a week in 2010.

By 2010, women spent about half that amount and doubled the time in front of a television or computer screen.

The research published in the Public Library of Science Journal shows working women only spend seven hours a week on housework.

Health leaders say the reallocation of time from physical activities to sedentary pastimes has important health consequences.

Some women say the study is flawed because it doesn't take into account what they do at work or other physical activity.

This study was funded via an unrestricted research grant from The Coca-Cola Company.