Screen Time as an Indirect Factor in Childhood Obesity: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite existing guidelines on limiting screen time, children and adolescents are spending an increasing number of hours in front of digital devices. This increase raises concerns about long-term health consequences, particularly in the context of the growing prevalence in childhood overweight and obesity. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between increased screen time and weight-related health outcomes in the pediatric population. It also highlights the need for health education targeting both children and parents, based primarily on developing skills to manage time spent in front of electronic screens. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases, including studies published between 2015 and 2025. Results: Available evidence suggests that prolonged screen exposure may be associated with reduced physical activity, circadian rhythm disturbances, including sleep problems, increased stress levels, and adverse mental health outcomes. These factors may interact and reinforce one another, potentially contributing to a positive energy balance and an increased risk of overweight and obesity among young people. Conclusions: The evidence reviewed highlights the ongoing digitalisation of younger generations and the potential consequences of excessive screen use. The underlying mechanisms appear complex and multidirectional.…
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