A study that was published recently suggested that there is a high link between excessive screen time and obesity in preteens, especially the ones that are in America.

Researchers recently published a study in the Pediatric Obesity Journal where it was found that each additional hour spent on screen time was associated with higher body mass index.

In the study, they pointed out that preteens who spent additional hour more on screen were associated with body mass index in 9-10-year-olds one year late.

The researchers said that weight gain may not just be the result of sedentary behaviour, but they also said that it is also possible that exposure to social media and unattainable body ideals could possible lead to subsequent overeating.

The data was pulled from 11,066 preteens, who were part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

The kids were asked questions regarding the time that they spent on six different forms of screens, which includes social media, texting, YouTube, video chatting, video games, and television.

The team also said that the study was carried out before the coronavirus pandemic.

At the beginning of the study, around 33.7 percent of the kids were considered as overweight or obese and just a year later, the numbers increased to 35.5 percent.

Jason Nagata, a MD, lead study author and an Assistang Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco said:

The study was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its findings are especially relevant for the pandemic. With remote learning, the cancellation of youth sports and isolation, children have been exposed to unprecedented levels of screen time.

Nagata also talked about the benefits of using tech.

They said that screen time can promote education and socialisation, however, parents should try to matigate risks from excessive screen time.

Increased screen time also means increased sedentary time and decreased physical activity.

The researchers also said that parents should be regularly talking to their children about screen-time usage.

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