Teenagers who spend hours watching TV, using the computer or playing video games while eating unhealthy snacks are at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome – a cluster of risk factors including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels – that elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
The study involved 33,900 teens aged 12-17. Researchers measured their waists, blood pressures, blood glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides and found that 2.5% of the teens had metabolic syndrome. Those who spent six or more hours a day in front of screens were 71% more likely to have metabolism syndrome compared to those who spent less time in front of screens.
Heightened risk was only seen in those who usually ate snacks in front of screens. There was no association between screen time and metabolic syndrome among teens who reported no snacking in front of screens. Among teens who reported habitually eating snacks in front of screens, the risk for metabolic syndrome rose the longer teens spent in front of screens.
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