Screen Time Obesity: ‘This’ device is causing obesity in children, pediatrician warns parents

• The growing problem of obesity
• Children’s screen time increased
• Screen time is the cause of obesity

Nowadays, mobile phones, tablets and televisions have become a part of children’s daily lives. Instead of playing, many children spend hours playing games or watching videos. Paediatrician at Max Super Specialty Hospital in Vaishali Dr. Narendra Jha Explains that, screen-time in children Obesity problem growing rapidly. Earlier this problem was seen only in big cities, but now children in small towns and villages are also falling victim.

How does mobile phone cause obesity?

Experts say that sitting in front of a screen for too long not only reduces physical activity but also changes the body’s performance. If children sit for long periods of time, their muscles work less. Due to this, the body cannot use glucose properly. Its continued use can lead to gradual weight gain, increased risk of juvenile diabetes, and problems such as fatty liver.

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Digital content and bad eating habits

Children often mindlessly snack while watching a screen. While playing games or watching videos, they tend to crave sweet, fried or salty foods because they provide a quick sense of comfort. Studies have found that screen time also reduces the brain’s ability to signal satiety. This leads to overeating.

Lack of sleep is also a reason

Prolonged use of phone at night is also harmful. Blue light from screens reduces the melatonin hormone needed for sleep. Lack of sleep also disrupts hormones like ghrelin and leptin that signal hunger and satiety. As a result, children become hungry and gain weight.

The problem of ‘social jet lag’

When kids stay up late at night looking at their phones, their natural sleep schedule is disrupted. They have to wake up early, which also disrupts the body’s biological clock. This slows the metabolism and can increase cortisol, which can lead to the accumulation of belly fat.

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What are the solutions?

Experts do not recommend removing the screen completely, but advise a balanced use. For this Advice to parents That is, it is important to set a fixed time for screen time at home. Encourage children to play outside or engage in physical activity for a short time each day. Try to keep the TV or mobile phone out of the children’s bedroom. Instead of snacks, have healthy options such as fruits, nuts or light home-cooked meals. Use apps that encourage stretching, short walks or movement every 20-30 minutes between active screen time.