The Impact of TV Exposure and Computer Use on Obese Adolescents
The Impact of TV Exposure and Computer Use on Obese Adolescents

Summary/Abstract: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition which is characterized by the increase in body weight due to adipose tissue. The sedentary lives of many children and adolescents, the growing number of hours spent in front of the computer, the game console or the TV represent risk factors for obesity. The authors conducted a prospective study between the 1st of April and the 30th of June 2017, which included 38 adolescents with obesity, aged 12 to 18 years (mean age 13.7 ± 2.6 years). To evaluate the physical activity program for obese adolescents, a questionnaire was applied which focused on the impact of computer and TV use on their behaviour. The questionnaire contained 15 items referring to the computer and television exposure. The results showed that most obese adolescents do not follow the recommended daily physical activity: 94.7% prefer to spend their free time in front of the TV compared to 68.4% who prefer computer use, with negative consequences (fatigue, addiction, isolation, boredom). The factors with a signifi cant negative infl uence on healthy lifestyle were urban area, age, male gender and low self-esteem, allowing the identifi cation of risk subjects.

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