Childhood obesity is alarming, with 6-year-olds weighing 60 kg and teenagers weighing more than 140 kg.

A recent multicenter study A study conducted in the province of Alicante revealed a growing and alarming public health trend: Childhood and adolescent obesity continues to rise, becoming a serious health problem. Cases have been identified in children as young as 11 years old and reaching a weight of up to 140 kilograms; and others younger, six years old, – 60. This situation indicates the relevance of identifying and eliminating risk factors associated with the development of this disease. Childhood obesity which in many cases involve the use of screens.

Causes of childhood obesity

Among the factors causes of childhood obesityThe study notes an increase in the use of electronic devices, increasing periods of time in front of screens and resulting in a sedentary lifestyle among minors. A sedentary lifestyle is directly linked to the rise in childhood obesity. It has also been observed that sleep problems, which are exacerbated by excessive screen time, are more common in children and adolescents who are overweight or obese, compared to children of normal weight.

Multicenter study in Alicante supported by the University of Jaume I of Castellón.

The analysis was carried out jointly by several centers, including San Juan in Alicante, Elche or Vinalopo Healthin cooperation University of Jaume I in Castellon. The study focused on a representative sample of 70 children and adolescents aged 5 to 16 years.Most of University Hospital of Sant Joan d’Alacant and director Ana Pilar Nso Researcher, which showed that obese children spend an average of three hours a day on electronic devices, compared to two hours for children of normal weight. 40% of overweight participants were confirmed to have chronic sleep problems with less duration and quality of rest, while only 8% of normal weight children experienced similar sleep problems.

Use of electronic devices contributes to childhood obesity

The study concludes that For every additional hour of screen time, your risk of obesity triples. And increases the likelihood of sleep problems by 60%. These results support the need for increased health education aimed at families, especially given the importance of setting healthy limits on the use of electronic devices and promoting adequate sleep habits as preventive measures against childhood and adolescent obesity.