The Internet, poor sleep, and obesity

Article Outline

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Given the emerging epidemic of obesity in adolescence, it is important to understand factors that promote abnormal weight gain. In this issue of The Journal, Berkey et al evaluated a large longitudinal cohort of adolescent girls. They studied weight change over one year and exposures during that year. They found that more time using the Internet, less sleep, and greater use of alcohol were all associated with increasing BMI. In this study, females in weight promoting categories gained nearly four extra pounds over the one year period.

These findings help to emphasize current recommendations that children and adolescents should not have a television or computer in their room, screen time should be limited to no more than two hours per day, and parents should emphasize better sleep hygiene. Pediatricians should intervene early on these factors to prevent abnormal weight gain.