TV Puts Kids in The Obesity Hotseat

Credit: University of South Australia

The study assessed the sedentary behaviors of 234 Australian children aged 10-13 years who either were of a healthy weight (74 boys, 56 girls) or classified as obese (56 boys, 48 girls).

It found that, excluding sleep, children spent more than 50 per cent of their day sitting, with television dominating their time for 2.5 – 3 hours each day.

Dr Tsiros says that the study also found differences between the sitting behaviors of boys and girls.

“Boys not only watched more TV than girls – an extra 37 minutes per day – but also spent significantly more time playing video games,” Dr Tsiros says.

“Video gaming and computer use are popular past times, but our data suggests these activities may be linked with higher body fat in boys.

“Boys who are sitting for longer than 30 minutes may also have higher body fat, so it’s important to monitor their screen and sitting time and ensure they take regular breaks.”

Dr Tsiros says that setting children up on a path towards a healthy weight is extremely important to their health now and in the future.

“When we look at adult obesity, almost two thirds of Australians are overweight or obese, which is causing many serious health issues,” Dr Tsiros says.

“An overweight child is more likely to grow up into an overweight adult, so the importance of tackling unhealthy behaviors in childhood is critical.

“Children who are obese have an increased risk of developing serious health disorders, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

“They may also experience reduced wellbeing, social and self-esteem issues, along with pain and difficulties with movement and activity.

“By understanding children’s sedentary behaviors – especially those that are placing our kids at risk – we’ll ensure they stay on a better path towards a healthier weight.”

 

Contacts and sources:
Annabel Mansfield

University of South Australia

Citation: Not all sedentary behaviour is equal: Children’s adiposity and sedentary behaviour volumes, patterns and types
Rima N. Shakir, Alison M. Coates, Timothy Olds, Alex Rowlands, Margarita D. Tsiros. . Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 2018; 12 (6): 506 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2018.09.001