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Excessive screen time is associated with unhealthy eating behaviors and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents

This narrative review found that excessive screen time in children and adolescents is consistently associated with unhealthy eating behaviors such as increased snacking, mindless eating, breakfast skipping, and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. It is also linked to sleep disturbances, circadian dysregulation, and altered appetite-related hormones like leptin and ghrelin.

Last updated: Jul 30, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Screen Time, Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, and Associated Health Risks in Children: A Narrative Review.

observational

Calcaterra V, Cena H, Marin L, Cavallo C, Taranto S, Conti MV, Patanè P, Guardamagna L, Minardi E, Bellingeri L, Silvestri D, Vandoni M, Zuccotti G · Children (Basel, Switzerland) (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Excessive screen time (high screen exposure)
Outcome: Unhealthy eating behaviors (snacking, mindless eating, breakfast skipping, ultra-processed food intake), sleep disturbances, circadian dysregulation, altered leptin and ghrelin levels
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Children and adolescents aged 0-18 years

Result:

PubMed: 42509912DOI: 10.3390/children13070887

Mechanism Graph

Excessive screen time increases exposure to digital food marketing and advertising
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Screen use promotes sedentary behavior and mindless eating
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Screen time disrupts sleep and circadian rhythms
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Altered appetite hormones (leptin, ghrelin) and increased risk of obesity and metabolic issues

Limitations

  • ⚠Most evidence is observational, limiting causal inference
  • ⚠Narrative review design may introduce selection bias and lacks quantitative synthesis

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of unhealthy eating behaviors are linked to screen time in children?▼

The review found associations with increased snacking, mindless eating, breakfast skipping, and higher consumption of ultra-processed and energy-dense foods.

Does screen time affect sleep in children?▼

Yes, high screen exposure was associated with sleep disturbances and circadian dysregulation, which may contribute to metabolic and psychological health risks.

What are the potential mechanisms linking screen time to obesity?▼

Mechanisms include increased sedentary behavior, disrupted sleep, altered appetite hormones (leptin and ghrelin), and exposure to food advertising that influences preferences and intake.

Is the evidence for these associations causal?▼

No, most evidence is observational, so causality cannot be confirmed. The authors call for more longitudinal and interventional studies.

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References

  1. 1.Calcaterra V, Cena H, Marin L, Cavallo C, Taranto S, Conti MV, Patanè P, Guardamagna L, Minardi E, Bellingeri L, Silvestri D, Vandoni M, Zuccotti G. "Screen Time, Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, and Associated Health Risks in Children: A Narrative Review.." Children (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. PMID: 42509912 DOI: 10.3390/children13070887
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.