A synthesis of 22 studies, without a pooled effect estimate
The authors examined links between screen time and obesity-related outcomes, paying particular attention to differences by sex. The review followed a predefined protocol. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias.
Of the 22 included studies, 18 reported a statistically significant positive association. However, the synthesis is based on the direction of associations and observed differences between sexes. The abstract provides no overall estimate of their magnitude, total sample sizes or follow-up durations. This count therefore cannot quantify the risk associated with screen time.
Different patterns, still difficult to confirm
Six studies reported an association only among female participants, compared with four only among male participants. Among girls and young women, findings more often involved adiposity, obesity accompanied by metabolic abnormalities and psychological factors such as body image concerns or weight dissatisfaction.
Among boys and young men, associations more often involved calorie intake, nighttime screen use and reduced sleep. These patterns suggest possible explanations, not proven mechanisms.
There is an important caveat: few studies formally tested whether the association between screens and obesity varied by sex. Observing a significant association in one group but not the other is not enough to establish a difference between the two.
What this review adds, and what it cannot tell us
The authors suggest looking beyond screen hours alone: eating during screen use, sleep, physical activity and psychosocial factors could help explain the observed associations. However, this review does not demonstrate that intervening on these factors reduces obesity.
Nor does it justify separate recommendations by sex. Its main contribution is to clarify questions to test, rather than provide a validated prevention programme.
Limitations to keep in mind
Only the PubMed abstract was consulted, not the full text. It does not detail total sample sizes, durations, effect estimates or the results of the risk-of-bias assessment. Few studies formally tested differences between sexes. Funding and conflicts of interest were not checked.
What we can take away
The link between screen time and obesity indicators appears in most of the included studies. Its magnitude, causality and possible differences by sex remain to be clarified.
Sources and provenance
- A Systematic Review of Screen Time and Obesity in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Sex-Specific Pathways and Implications for Public Health Interventions.
Source date: 2026-10-15.
Journal Article, Systematic Review, Review · Résumé PubMed uniquement, texte intégral non consulté