Concerned about childhood obesity? Learn how screen time plays a role and what you can do in the guide below from Dr. Rachel Chatters at Chatters Pediatrics in Lake Charles, LA.
Childhood Screen Time and Obesity
The connection between screen time and obesity is nothing new. Harvard conducted studies linking the two more than twenty years ago. Unfortunately, this knowledge hasn’t changed the overall situation – it’s actually gotten worse. In this guide, Dr. Chatters and the team at Chatters Pediatrics in Lake Charles, LA, discuss the link between childhood obesity and screen time, along with tips on how parents can change the game for their children.
Screen Time and Obesity
When a connection between screen time and childhood obesity first became a widespread concern among health professionals, screens were not as prevalent as they are today. Children of the present generation are surrounded by screens, from TVs to cell phones.
Whether they’re streaming their favorite shows, scrolling social media, or chatting with friends, their connection to screens can lead to unhealthy consequences, including weight gain. The main cause of this is the lack of physical activity.
When children spend hours at school sitting still and come home to spend hours on a screen, they are living highly sedentary lives, which are linked to obesity, heart problems, and more. Additionally, much of what they see on screens can create unhealthy eating habits, such as advertisements for fast food. And these habits tend to follow children into adulthood.
Steps Parents Can Take
In a busy world, it can be difficult to keep kids off their screens. However, there are some things you can do to cut down on screen time and improve your children's health.
- Make them earn it: Tell your child that they can get on their device after completing their homework and chores, and get outdoors for 30 minutes.
- Enjoy dinner together: Sitting at the dinner table together has many benefits, including limiting screen time and building stronger bonds. Be sure to make it a rule for everyone not to bring a device to the table.
- Schedule family activities: Try to do something as a family each week – device-free. Go for a walk, to the park, or even to the mall. Or have a family game night and add in some physical games.
- Provide physical options: Children are more likely to be physically active when there is something enjoyable to do. Depending on their preferences, you might invest in a trampoline, skates, a basketball hoop, or something similar.
If you have any questions or would like help fighting childhood obesity in your family, call (337) 475-9009 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chatters at Chatters Pediatrics in Lake Charles, LA.