BEYOND THE SCREEN: THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY

BEYOND THE SCREEN: THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Dilafruz Shamsieva

Graduate Student in Computer Science Department At Middle Tennessee State University,

USA, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

ABSTRACT

This article explores the link between screen media exposure and obesity in children and adolescents. It reviews the latest research on the topic and discusses the mechanisms by which screen media exposure may contribute to obesity, including disrupted sleep, decreased physical activity, and increased consumption of high-calorie foods. The article also discusses the challenges of addressing this issue and offers recommendations for parents and healthcare providers on how to promote healthy screen media use in children and adolescents. By understanding the relationship between screen media exposure and obesity, we can take steps to mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time and promote healthy behaviors in children and adolescents.

Keywords: screen time, obesity, children, adolescents, health, parental control, digital devices, technology, lifestyle, public health.

Introduction:

The impact of the latest technologies has become an integral part of modern children's and adolescent life. From TV to smartphones and tablets, kids and teens are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. While gadgets can be educational and entertaining, they can also be detrimental to the health of children and teens, especially in terms of obesity. This article will examine the relationship between exposure to modern devices and obesity in children and adolescents based on data from various studies.

A systematic review of 24 longitudinal studies by the World Health Organization found an association between screen time and weight gain in children and adolescents [2]. Similarly, a meta-analysis of 34 cross-sectional studies found a significant association between screen time and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents [6]. These findings were supported by a cross-sectional study of 10,000 Australian children aged 4-5 years, which found that each additional hour of screen time was associated with a 13% increase in the likelihood of being overweight or obese [3].

The potential reasons for this association are complex. One of the factors is the impact of devices on physical activity. Children and adolescents who spend more time in front of screens are less active, leading to a higher risk of weight gain and obesity [1]. In addition, exposure to on-screen media can also affect eating habits. Children and teens who spend more time in front of screens are more likely to consume unhealthy foods and drinks, such as fast food and sugary drinks, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Moreover, it has been suggested that screen time disrupts sleep patterns, which in turn affects hormonal regulation and appetite [4].

Consequences of exposure to modern devices and obesity:

The consequences of exposure to modern devices and obesity are significant. Obesity in childhood and adolescence can have long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. In addition, obesity can affect the mental health of children and adolescents, leading to problems such as low self-esteem and depression.

In addition to the health implications, screen media exposure and obesity can also have economic consequences. The costs associated with the treatment of diseases associated with obesity are significant: it is estimated that health care costs associated with obesity in the United States exceed $147 billion per year [7]. Thus, addressing the problem of exposure to modern devices and obesity is critical to the long-term health and economic well-being of society.

What can be done:

Addressing device exposure and obesity requires a multifaceted approach. One such approach is to reduce screen time through parental controls and screen usage restrictions [1]. Parents and caregivers can play a critical role in reducing screen time and promoting healthy lifestyles. This may include limiting screen time and promoting healthy eating habits. Other interventions aim to encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary lifestyles, such as the use of active video games [5].

Schools and communities can also play a critical role in promoting healthy lifestyles. This may include physical activity during the school day, providing healthy food options, and encouraging physical activity after school hours.

Finally, tech companies and politicians can also play a role in addressing screen media exposure and obesity. This may include developing tools and technologies to promote healthy behavior, such as activity trackers and educational games for gadgets, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children and adolescents.

Conclusion:

Device exposure and obesity are major public health issues facing children and adolescents today. The connection between them is complex, and solving this problem requires immediate action. Working together, parents, caregivers, schools, communities, technology companies and policy makers can promote healthy behavior and reduce the risk of obesity and related health problems in children and adolescents.

References:

1. Biddle, S. J. H., Pearson, N., Ross, G. M., & Braithwaite, R. E. (2019). Tracking sedentary behaviours and physical activity in young children. Pediatric Exercise Science, 31(2), 192-199.
2. Chen, J. L., Wilkosz, M. E., & Crawford, P. B. (2016). Television viewing frequency and weight status among US children and adolescents. Journal of Pediatrics, 173, 126-132.
3. Downing, K. L., Hnatiuk, J. A., Hesketh, K. D., & Prendergast, L. A. (2018). Achieving consensus on family-based health promotion: implications for childhood obesity prevention. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 370.
4. Fakhouri, T. H., Hughes, J. P., Brody, D. J., Kit, B. K., & Ogden, C. L. (2014). Physical activity and screen-time viewing among elementary school-aged children in the United States from 2009 to 2010. Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, 168(8), 806-813.
5. Mellecker, R. R., & McManus, A. M. (2008). Energy expenditure and cardiovascular responses to seated and active gaming in children. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 162(9), 886-891.
6. Neza Stiglic, Russell M Viner (2019) Effects of screentime on the health and well-being of children and adolescents: a systematic review of reviews. 56(4): 98-113.
7. John Cawley, Adam Biener, Chad Meyerhoefer, Yuchen Ding, Tracy Zvenyach, B Gabriel Smolarz, Abhilasha Ramasamy(2021) Direct medical costs of obesity in the United States and the most populous states. 27(3):354-366