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Characteristics of Screen Media Use Associated With Higher BMI in Young Adolescents.
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- Author(s): Bickham, David S.1,2,3 ; Blood, Emily A.2,3,4; Walls, Courtney E.4; Shrier, Lydia A.2,3; Rich, Michael1,2,3
- Source:
Pediatrics. May2013, Vol. 131 Issue 5, p935-941. 7p. 2 Charts.
- Additional Information
- Subject Terms:
- Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: This study investigates how characteristics of young adolescents' screen media use are associated with their BMI. By examining relationships between BMI and both time spent using each of 3 screen media and level of attention allocated to use, we sought to contribute to the understanding of mechanisms linking media use and obesity. METHODS: We measured heights and weights of 91 13-to 15-year-olds and calculated their BMIs. Over 1 week, participants completed a weekday and a Saturday 24-hour time-use diary in which they reported the amount of time they spent using TV, computers, and video games. Participants carried handheld computers and responded to 4 to 7 random signals per day by completing onscreen questionnaires reporting activities to which they were paying primary, secondary, and tertiary attention. RESULTS: Higher proportions of primary attention to TV were positively associated with higher BMI. The difference between 25th and 75th per- centiles of attention to TV corresponded to an estimated +2.4 BMI points. Time spent watching television was unrelated to BMI. Neither duration of use nor extent of attention paid to video games or computers was associated with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the notion that attention to TV is a key element of the increased obesity risk associated with TV viewing. Mechanisms may include the influence of TV commercials on preferences for energy-dense, nutritionally questionable foods and/or eating while distracted by TV. Interventions that interrupt these processes may be effective in decreasing obesity among screen media users. Pediatrics 2013;131:935-941 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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