Combined influence of physical activity and screen time recommendations on childhood overweight.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
To examine the combined influence of physical activity and screen time (television and video games) on the odds of being overweight and to evaluate the utility of current public policy recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN:
Physical activity was assessed by a pedometer and screen time was assessed by survey in a sample of 709 children age 7 to 12 years. The percentage of subjects meeting current physical activity and screen time recommendations was calculated. Cross-tabulated physical activity-screen time groups were formed depending on whether or not the children were meeting current recommendations. Logistic regression was used to examine the influence of physical activity and screen time on the odds of being overweight.

RESULTS:
Children meeting physical activity and screen time recommendations were the least likely to be overweight. Approximately 10% of the boys and 20% of the girls meeting both recommendations were overweight, compared with 35% to 40% of those who did not meet either recommendation. Screen time and physical activity appeared to be equivalent risk factors for boys, even though physical activity in girls was more strongly associated with body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS:
Children not meeting the physical activity or screen time recommendations were 3 to 4 times more likely to be overweight than those complying with both recommendations.

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Author information

Author/s: Laurson, Kelly R (KR); Eisenmann, Joey C (JC); Welk, Gregory J (GJ); Wickel, Eric E (EE); Gentile, Douglas A (DA); Walsh, David A (DA);

Affiliation: Department of Health and Human Performance, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. krlaurs(-atsign-)iastate.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Aug; vol 153 (issue 2) : pp 209-14

Dates: Created 2008/07/21; Completed 2008/08/13;

PMID: 18534231, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Male
Obesity - diagnosis; epidemiology; prevention & control
Risk Factors
Sex Factors
Television
Time Factors
Video Games

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