Optimizing energy balance in youth: reducing sugar-sweetened beverages and screen time

Abstract

The high prevalence of children and adolescents living with obesity, as well as the multitude of associated risks, stress the need for refined weight management strategies for this population. While an overarching lifestyle intervention may be an ideal way to improve energy balance, more practical recommendations would likely improve adherence rates. This review set out to investigate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and screen time as potential lifestyle targets to reduce paediatric obesity. We report strong evidence that both sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and screen time influence childhood obesity directly, as well as through interactions with sleep patterns. Potential mechanisms are discussed with focus on the energy balance framework of obesity. We also present methodological considerations to improve applicability and consistency of future studies.