Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Diet as Mediators of the Association Between TV Time and BMI in Youth.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2021

Identifier

DOI: 10.1177/0890117120984943

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined dietary indicators, sedentary time, and physical activity as potential mediators of the association between TV time and BMIz in youth.

Design: Cross-sectional study in 2 independent samples of youth.

Setting: Data collection occurred by mail and telephone for adolescents and either at home or in medical settings for children.

Sample: 928 youth ages 12-16 and 756 youth ages 6-12 and a parent.

Measures: TV time, snacking/eating while watching TV, and a 3-day dietary recall were assessed via child/parent report. Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed by accelerometer wear.

Analysis: Direct and indirect associations (through 8 diet and activity variables) of TV time with BMIz were tested in boys and girls in each sample.

Results: TV time had a positive association with BMIz in 6-12 year old boys and girls. Direct associations emerged between TV time and the diet/activity variables, and between diet/activity variables and BMIz. Snacking/eating while watching TV had a significant positive association with BMIz in younger boys and mediated the association between TV time and BMIz (β = .06, p = .019; 25% attenuation).

Conclusions: Snacking/eating while watching TV may be a possible reason TV time is consistently associated with obesity in youth. Targeting reductions in TV time and associated snacking could improve health impacts.

Journal Title

American journal of health promotion : AJHP

Volume

35

Issue

5

First Page

613

Last Page

623

Keywords

BMI; diet; physical activity; sedentary time; snacking; television; weight; youth

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