Relationship between screen time and metabolic syndrome in adolescents

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Abstract
The primary objective was to determine the dose–response relation between screen time (television + computer) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents. The study sample included 1803 adolescents (12–19 years) from the 1999–04 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Average daily screen time (combined television, computer and video game use) was self-reported. MetS was defined according to adolescent criteria linked to the adult criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (≥3 of high triglycerides, high fasting glucose, high waist circumference, high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol). After adjustment for relevant covariates, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for MetS increased in a dose–response manner (Ptrend < 0.01) across ≤1 h/day (1.00, referent), 2 h/day (1.21, 0.54–2.73), 3 h/day (2.16, 0.99–4.74), 4 h/day (1.73, 0.72–4.17) and ≥5 h/day (3.07, 1.48–6.34) screen time categories. Physical activity had a minimal impact on the relation between screen time and MetS. Screen time was associated with an increased likelihood of MetS in a dose-dependent manner independent of physical activity. These findings suggest that lifestyle-based public health interventions for youth should include a specific component aimed at reducing screen time.

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