Can Too Much Screen Time Cause Childhood Obesity?

Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic in America, as millions of children are battling excess weight and the negative health effects that come along with it. However, when analyzing this problem, the best place to start is to look at what types of behaviors or factors cause childhood obesity. Then, it may become possible to neutralize the problem by stopping some of the causal factors.

Unfortunately, some factors are out of our control, namely genetics. Some children are simply more predisposed to becoming obese than others because of their family history. However, many of the other causes of childhood obesity are behavioral, and can be influenced by a change in the lifestyle of the children, as well as their parents. For instance, here is a list of things that can potentially cause childhood obesity:

• Poor body image / low self-esteem

• Bad eating habits

• Overeating

• Mimicking unhealthy parental behavior, such as bad eating habits, lack of exercise, etc.

• Lack of exercise

• And more

Looking at this small list of items that can cause childhood obesity, one common thread becomes apparent – too much screen time in front of the TV, computer, and other devices can be directly related. For instance, think about how many children spend time watching TV – they sit, inactive, for hours at a time, often snacking on large amounts of unhealthy food. This is why the overuse of entertainment and multimedia devices has been targeted as a cause of childhood obesity.

You should always consult your family doctor if you have a child dealing with weight issues or if you are looking into ways of preventing childhood obesity. But, if you are seeking to create an effective media consumption system in your home that can prevent overuse – and the potential negative side effects, including obesity – the Mikko Que can help. This innovative device gives you the ability to manage and control your kids' screen time on the TV, internet, video games, and more. Contact us today to find out more.

Media Management for Children … It’s time.