Screen time a main cause of obesity in children and youngsters

Obesity is increasingly becoming a major concern among children and youngsters. One of the biggest contributing factors is a rise in screen time (the amount of time spent using a device with a screen such as a smart phone, computer, television or video games).

On World Obesity Day, medical experts asked about this dangerous trend, the risks involved and how to avoid this. Doctors points out that a slight potbelly and bigger hips are signs of future obesity, especially in children. 

Children are supposed to burn calories around the clock, when they are on the move or otherwise, as their bones, muscles and tendons are growing.

Symptoms like slow learning, fatigue or tiredness and attention deficit (which are not common among children, show a shift in the metabolic cycle.

while children belonging to the previous generations spent most of their time outdoors, they now stay indoors for long periods, often using gadgets or in front of the television. “Around 20 per cent of the factors contributing to obesity in the younger is lot connected to screen time.

Playing online games does not involve much creativity but just causes excitement; this leads to increased metabolism in the brain but not muscular metabolism. 

children are influenced by their parents who are busy in their own digital world. “Cheap internet access and technological advances is causing everyone to be plugged in most of the time. So, obesity is now common among both affluent and lower economic groups”.

Screen time has increased the rate of obesity and cases among people (including children and youngsters) by around 35 per cent over the last decade.

Screen time contributes to 20 per cent or more of collective reasons that lead one to obesity.

“From shopping to entertainment, everyone is turning to mobile applications for everything now. Even children are playing games on the mobile and actual physical activity has reduced drastically,”

An ideal diet for kids “Antioxidant diet: anything that doesn’t form gas in the stomach, which is not fast food or stretches the stomach works perfectly. Fruits, vegetables, the right among of protein and nutrition work best for good metabolic pattern.

How to wean kids away from gadgets Avoid giving mobile phones to children, especially smart phones. Give them basic handsets to stay in touch with you.  Fix a certain time for internet and watching television; do not exceed one hour.  Discuss such issues as a group, with other children and parents, either in your apartment complex or with friends. This will help your child understand the implications of screen time without feeling attacked personally.

Encourage children to engage in sports and physical activity at least for an hour on a daily basis.  Parents should avoid using mobile phones in front of children.

Do not use tablets or mobile phones to distract children during dinner time. Talk to them and tell stories, to engage a fussy eater.

Use a multi-disciplinary approach and include advice from psychologists, nutritionists, dieticians and wellness physicians. 

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-your-bond-with-bengaluru/dissent-is-not-sedition-767471.html