Too much screen time increases obesity risk for children

"It must be noted that this cross-sectional study does not reveal anything about causality. It may be that overweight children spend more time in front of screens, or that abundant screen time may result in overweight," said researcher Elina Engberg from the University of Helsinki and Folkhalsan.

"Neither did the study measure the intensity of exercise. The participants were only asked about the amount of time they spent exercising in their free time. Further research on the combined effect of screen time, physical activity and diet on children's weight is needed," Engberg added.

Previously, not much research has been carried out on the link between screen time and children's abdominal obesity. Overweight in children and related adverse health effects are illustrated by the waist-to-height ratio as well as the body mass index.

Source: www.deccanchronicle.com

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