The association of screen time with childhood obesity and metabolic status: a mediation analysis of cardiorespiratory fitness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Childhood obesity and metabolic disorders are increasingly drawing global attention due to their long-term associations with chronic metabolic diseases. Excessive screen time is a key contributor to obesogenic behavior and is associated with unfavorable metabolic outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between screen time and obesity-related metabolic indicators in children and to explore the mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Methods

Baseline data were drawn from the OptiChild study, involving 1,286 third-grade students in Ningbo, China. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, blood pressure, and fasting blood samples were collected. CRF was assessed using the 20-meter shuttle run test. Screen time, physical activity, and di

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12834736 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature