by Krysteena Stephens, M.A., IMFT and Victoria L. Dunckley M.D,
23 December 2013
Is an overlooked source of childhood obesity staring us in the face?
According to the American Heart Association(link is external), 1 in 3 children are considered overweight or obese, topping issues like smoking and substance abuseas the number one pediatric healthconcern today in the United States. Why is it that childhoodobesity has tripled(link is external)in the last 30 years? When considering this question, factors like larger portion sizes, growing fast food chains, the decrease of nutritional value in food, and lack of physical activity come to mind. But is there another environmental issue being overlooked? One that’s relatively easy to modify?
Trends(link is external) in the obesity rate began a steady upward climb in the early to mid-seventies. Likewise, the first home gaming systems were released in the early 1970’s and we’ve been flooded with new screen developments ever since. Today, children and adolescents spend an average of nearly 8 hours a day(link is external) using devices such as computers, televisions, video game consoles, cell phones, and tablets—time that could easily be replaced with outdoor play, sports, and interpersonal activities. An emerging body of research points toward a strong association between screen-time and the development of obesity and other metabolic changes. Let’s take a look at some potential explanations behind this relationship:
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Is an overlooked source of childhood obesity staring us in the face?
According to the American Heart Association(link is external), 1 in 3 children are considered overweight or obese, topping issues like smoking and substance abuseas the number one pediatric healthconcern today in the United States. Why is it that childhoodobesity has tripled(link is external)in the last 30 years? When considering this question, factors like larger portion sizes, growing fast food chains, the decrease of nutritional value in food, and lack of physical activity come to mind. But is there another environmental issue being overlooked? One that’s relatively easy to modify?
Trends(link is external) in the obesity rate began a steady upward climb in the early to mid-seventies. Likewise, the first home gaming systems were released in the early 1970’s and we’ve been flooded with new screen developments ever since. Today, children and adolescents spend an average of nearly 8 hours a day(link is external) using devices such as computers, televisions, video game consoles, cell phones, and tablets—time that could easily be replaced with outdoor play, sports, and interpersonal activities. An emerging body of research points toward a strong association between screen-time and the development of obesity and other metabolic changes. Let’s take a look at some potential explanations behind this relationship: