Study: Reality TV junkies more likely to tan

A new study concluded that reality TV junkies are three times more likely to use tanning lamps or tan outdoors.

Researchers at Brooklyn College found that 13 percent of subjects who watched reality “beauty” shows such as “Jersey Shore” and “Real Housewives” were likely to use tanning lamps, as opposed to less than 4 percent of non-viewers.

“Watching reality TV beauty shows is associated with both tanning lamp use and outdoor tanning,” the study’s abstract reads. “Dermatologists should consider discussing the potential harmful aspects of tanning beds and outdoor tanning, especially with their patients who watch reality TV beauty shows.”

Lead researcher Joshua Fogeltold Reuters that TV shows “might not realize the message they’re [promoting] by having all of these attractive, tanned people… It’s very clear that people who are watching [these shows] view [tanning] as something positive to do.”

Among those who watch the shows in question, 43 percent had tanned outdoors for more than two hours at a time, compared to 29 percent of non-viewers.

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