Media and digital technologies: harm or benefit in the fight against childhood obesity? (literature review)

Abstract


Childhood obesity is one of the most important public health problems, as it is associated with the development of concomitant diseases and deterioration of social, emotional and mental health. The high prevalence of overweight among children worldwide requires the development of effective prevention and treatment methods. Traditional approaches based on personal contact with specialists have limited availability. Digitalization, on the one hand, exacerbates the problem due to physical inactivity and easy access to unhealthy food, and on the other hand, opens up new opportunities due to children's receptivity to digital technologies. The purpose of this work is to systematize modern data on the impact of media and digital technologies on body mass index in children and adolescents. An analysis of PubMed/MEDLINE publications over the past five years has revealed the main digital risk factors: advertisements for harmful products, lack of movement in front of screens, eating while watching, and the psychological impact of content. At the same time, mobile apps and gaming programs have proven effective in combating obesity. Comprehensive approaches combining digital tools with face-to-face visits to doctors are particularly promising.

About the authors

I. V. Gribkova

Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of Moscow Healthcare Department, 115088, Moscow, Russia

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