British researchers writing in a recent American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that their study of 1,862 children ages 9 and 10 shows that physical activity may be more influential than lower sedentary time (in front of a TV or computer screen) on preventing childhood obesity (measured via BMI, waist circumference and fat mass index).
The authors concluded that "focusing on leisure-based screen time irrespective of activity may not be sufficient to curb childhood obesity." Although less-active children in the study were more likely to be overweight, increased screen time did not significantly increase these odds if children were already meeting the moderately vigorous physical activity recommendation of ³60 minutes/day.
So it's not all about turning the TV/computer off; it's also about turning physical activity on and teaching children to live in energy balance. Some parents may think that limiting their children's screen time is enough to stop the trend toward obesity. In fact, that is just one step in an approach that includes learning the relationship between food and physical activity and then applying that knowledge in daily life.
Next week, I will be blogging from the American Dietetic Association's Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado, where 10,000 registered dietitians have gathered to explore the latest scientific findings in nutrition and health.
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