The relationship between excessive smartphone use, physical activity levels, and overweight and obesity in adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/edhw7e78Keywords:
the internet, social media, a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, obesity, physical activityAbstract
Excessive smartphone use has increased dramatically worldwide among adolescents, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity. The objective was to determine the relationship between excessive smartphone use, physical activity levels, and overweight and obesity among adolescents in Juliaca, Peru, in 2025. Materials and methods: A non-experimental study with a descriptive correlational design was conducted. A non-probabilistic sample of 827 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (425 females and 402 males) from public schools was selected. The instruments used were questionnaires on time spent on smartphones and physical activity, which were validated by experts and obtained a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91 and 0.87, respectively. Anthropometric measurements of body weight and height were taken. Results: 35.3% and 27.7% spend 3 to 4 and 5 to 6 hours daily, respectively, on smartphones during the week. Regarding physical activity, females showed a low level (17.2%), in contrast to males, who showed a high level (15.5%). Regarding BMI, adolescents had a normal level (56.1%), while females showed a prevalence of overweight and obesity (15.6% and 9.8%, respectively). Discussion: Parents and guardians should monitor and regulate adolescents’ smartphone usage to prevent future health problems. It is concluded that there is a significant correlation between excessive smartphone use during the week and on weekends and adolescents’ BMI.
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