Regular bedtimes stop children from becoming overweight, a study by Ohio State University has found.

Eating meals at the same time every day and watching less than half an hour of television a day will also help to stave off obesity later in life, research suggests.

Scientists found a link between the daily routines, emotions and weight, while studying the habits of almost 11,000 British children born between 2000 and 2002.

Dr Sarah Anderson, an associate professor in Ohio State's College of Public Health and the lead author of the report, said: "This study provides more evidence that routines for preschool-aged children are associated with their healthy development and could reduce the likelihood that these children will be obese."