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. 2020 Mar;9(1):1-14.
doi: 10.1007/s13679-020-00368-z.

Video Games, Obesity, and Children

Chelsea L Kracht  1 , Elizabeth D Joseph  1 , Amanda E Staiano  2
Affiliations

Video Games, Obesity, and Children

Chelsea L Kracht et al. Curr Obes Rep. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To examine associations between video game play and obesity in children.

Recent findings: Based on a scoping review of 26 studies (25 cross-sectional; 1 longitudinal) published in 2013-2018, 14 studies (53%) reported no association between video game play and obesity, and 12 studies reported positive associations. In a review of 8 systematic reviews, there was preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of exergame (physically active) play for weight reduction and to attenuate weight gain but little indication that interventions effectively reduced video game play or general screen time. This review found ambiguous evidence on the extent to which video game play is or is not significantly associated with obesity in children and preliminary evidence of exergame play as a tool for weight reduction and attenuation of weight gain. Several gaps existed in understanding the relationship between video game play and obesity, and prospective and interventional trials are needed.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; Exergames; Pediatric; Scoping review; Video games.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Kracht, Joseph, and Staiano declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flow Chart of Study Selection
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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