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At a glance: The STEP trials

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Current Obesity Reports
Published in: Current Obesity Reports 1/2020

01-03-2020 | Obesity | Psychological Issues (V Drapeau and V Ivezaj, Section Editors)

Video Games, Obesity, and Children

Authors: Chelsea L. Kracht, Elizabeth D. Joseph, Amanda E. Staiano

Published in: Current Obesity Reports | Issue 1/2020

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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.

Summary

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.
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Metadata
Title
Video Games, Obesity, and Children
Authors
Chelsea L. Kracht
Elizabeth D. Joseph
Amanda E. Staiano
Publication date
01-03-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Obesity Reports / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 2162-4968
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-020-00368-z
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At a glance: The STEP trials

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A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

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