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The relationship between life‐style and cardio‐metabolic risk indicators in children: the importance of screen time
Author(s) -
Danielsen YS,
Júlíusson PB,
Nordhus IH,
Kleiven M,
Meltzer HM,
Olsson SJG,
Pallesen S
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.02098.x
Subject(s) - medicine , obesity , screen time , life style , metabolic syndrome , cardiorespiratory fitness , physical activity , risk factor , endocrinology , physical therapy , environmental health
Aims: To examine differences between children with obesity and normal weight children (aged 7–13 years) in terms of physical activity, screen time, food intake and blood parameters indicative of cardio‐metabolic risk. Further, to explore the relationship between physical activity, screen time and food intake with cardio‐metabolic parameters. Methods: Forty‐three children with obesity were compared with 43 normal weight peers. Physical activity was monitored by accelerometers and screen time and food intake by diaries. Blood parameters indicative of cardio‐metabolic risk were analysed. Results: The group of children with obesity had significantly less vigorous activity (p = 0.013), more daily screen time (p = 0.004) and consumed more fat (p = 0.04) than the group of normal weight children. The former group also demonstrated higher values of triglycerides (p = 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.009), C‐peptide (p = 0.001), had a higher HOMA‐R score (p = 0.001), and lower levels of HDL (p = 0.001). After controlling for weight category, regression analyses revealed that screen time was significantly and positively related to the HOMA‐R score and C‐peptide levels independent of physical activity and intake of fat and sugar. Conclusions: The results indicate that screen time is an important behavioural factor related to obesity and cardio‐metabolic risk indicators in children.