TV Viewing and computer use: The Independent factors accountable for overweight risk and diabetes in Children

Abstract

The childhood obesity epidemic is a serious public health problem that increases morbidity, mortality, and has substantial long-term economic and social costs. Today’s children, ages 8 to 18, consume multiple types of media and spend more time (44.5 hours per week) in front of computer, television and game screens than any other activity in their lives except sleeping. 19.43% children spent >2hours in front of television. Among these boys were more than girls. Urban students spent more time on computer, television etc. Higher levels of video-gaming and computer use are also associated with overweight. 25.56% were overweight and 26.09% children were diabetic in those spending more time on television. It has found strong associations between increases in advertising for non-nutritious foods and rates of childhood obesity. Most children under age 6 cannot distinguish between programming and advertising and children under age 8 do not understand the persuasive intent of advertising. Advertising directed at children by its very nature is exploitative. Duration of television watching is associated with increased body mass index. Children and adolescents ages 10-19, were spending more time i.e. 2 hours and >2 hours in front of computer, television and game screens than any other activity. Most of these children are overweight and having impaired glucose levels. It is reported that children and adolescents who spent most of the time watching television are more likely to be overweight. In addition, greater amounts of time spent watching television were associated with less time spent engaging in physical activity among adolescent boys and girls. Higher levels of video-gaming and computer use are also associated with overweight.