Analysis of association between childhood overweight/obesity with screen time, sedentary life style and low levels of physical activity

Abstract

The escalating prevalence of childhood obesity, affecting nearly 40 million children under five globally, has become a pressing public health concern. The high incidence of obesity in this population can be attributed to numerous factors, such as unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and increased screen time, which were exacerbated by worldwide lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. These factors, together with obesity, can potentially predispose these children to non-communicable diseases such as coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates. This capstone project aims to globally assess the prevalence of obesity or overweight status in children, establish a relationship between screen usage, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior, and examine the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on these parameters. The study methodology includes a comprehensive literature review and data collection from global studies on childhood obesity. Findings from this study could be instrumental in identifying risk factors and developing interventions to mitigate the rising rates of childhood obesity, ultimately supporting the WHO's goal of "no rise in childhood overweight by 2025". Additionally, the study would provide valuable recommendations to decrease sedentary behavior in children and increase physical activity levels, promoting healthier lifestyle choices in children.