Correlation between excessive exposure of screen and obesity in adolescent

Abstract

Objectives: Obesity has become a worldwide problem in both developed and developing nations. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between screen exposure and obesity in adolescents of Karachi aged 10 to 19 years, examining the relationships between screen time, physical activity levels, and body mass index.

Study design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the generalized population of Karachi including individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and genders aged 10-19 years using a questionnaire. Screen time was categorized as acceptable (≤7 hours/week), borderline excessive (14-21 hours/week), or excessive (>21 hours/week). Physical activity was classified as passive, moderately active, or active.

Results: A cross-sectional study of 350 adolescents (192 males, 158 females) aged 10-19 explored the relationship between screen time, physical activity, and obesity. Most participants had acceptable screen time (64.1% males, and 77.8% females). Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between screen exposure and BMI (p<0.066), indicating that increased screen time is associated with higher BMI. Physical activity was not a significant predictor. The model explained 16% of BMI variance. These findings suggest that reducing screen time may help mitigate obesity in adolescents.

Conclusion: The study reflects a weak positive correlation between excessive exposure to screens and obesity in children and adolescents and may affect one’s physical health. However, In the year 2021 confounding variables like the recent lockdown during COVID-19, small sample size, and limited population may cloud the result.

How to cite this: Rashid S, Jamal A, Ali HA, Sahar AH, Sheikh S. Correlation between excessive exposure of screen and obesity in adolescent. JPES. 2024;1(2):65-68.