Abstract

Objective: Among screen-addicted children, there is a risk of insulin resistance (IR), obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes mellitus type 2 due to decreased physical activity and irregular eating habits. Most recently, relations of screen addiction (SA) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with obesity have been reported. Herein, we aimed to investigate the presence of IR and dependent factors in screen-addicted children with and without obesity.

Method: A total of 108 children in the age range of 11-17 years were included in the study. Cases were divided into three groups according to ADHD and SA scale scores. In these three groups, there were equal numbers of obese and non-obese patients. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of the patients was assessed at baseline. Body fat analysis was performed with TANITA BC-420 MA body composition analyzers. All cases wore pedometers for 3 days to determine their basal metabolic rates (BMR) during active and sedentary periods. Carbohydrate, fat and calorie consumption was calculated using a professional nutrition program.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the SA and non-SA groups on the energy consumption, BMR and fat mass and dietary contents. There was no effect of ADHD and SA on HOMA-IR values.

Conclusion: We did not find any association between SA and IR. Also dependent factors were similar between groups. New studies are needed to determine how SA affects obesity.