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Media Use and Obesity in Adolescent Females
Abstract
Objective
In the context of growing public health concern with the obesity rates among children and adolescents, much attention has focused on the role of television as a contributor to the problem. Less attention has been devoted to interactive media (internet surfing and video games), despite the fact that these forms of entertainment are fast gaining in popularity among youth. This study investigated the relative associations of TV viewing and interactive media use with body fat and BMI, controlling for both physical activity participation and cardiovascular fitness.Research methods and procedures
Female high-school adolescents (N = 194) were assessed for cardiovascular fitness (cycle ergometer), percent body fat (DXA), and BMI. Time spent in moderate, vigorous, and sedentary activities was assessed with a 3-day recall.Results
Multivariate regression analysis showed that only interactive media use was associated with percentage body fat and BMI, and the relationship remained strong even after controlling for physical activity participation and cardiovascular fitness.Discussion
It appears that, among this group of adolescent females, the association between interactive media use and obesity is not explained by a reduction in moderate or vigorous activity commensurate with media use.Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.
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