Junk food consumption and screen time: association with childhood adiposity

Am J Health Behav. 2013 May;37(3):395-403. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.37.3.12.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the joint association of junk food consumption (JFC) and screen time (ST) with adiposity in children.

Methods: Two hundred fourteen (121 girls, 93 boys) third-to-fifth-grade students (54% Hispanic, 35% African American, 8% white) completed a lifestyle behavior survey, which included self-reported JFC and ST, as part of a school-based lifestyle intervention program.

Results: Neither JFC nor ST, independently or jointly, was associated with adiposity measures. JFC and ST were significantly correlated (r = .375).

Conclusions: The low achievement of physical activity and screen time recommendations and high prevalence of overweight/obesity in this mostly minority, low socioeconomic status population indicates a potential focus for intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Computers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Eating*
  • Fast Foods
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Poverty / psychology
  • Snacks
  • Television / statistics & numerical data*
  • Time Factors
  • Video Games*