The effects of media tools on food consumption and obesity in adolescents

Purpose: The present study was aimed to define the quantities and types of foods consumed by adolescents during use of media tools to evaluate the contribution of energy and nutrient intake during the use of media tools to daily energy and nutrient intake. Methods: A total of 73 adolescents who visits an internet cafe, were included in the study. Participants were evaluated when they were using a computer in an internet cafe, food consumptions during the use of media tools and daily consumption and physical activity level were recorded. Results: It has been found that consumption of cakes, pastries and cookies during the use of media tools constitute more than half of daily consumption. At the same time, consumption of oily seeds, consumption of sweet foods and saturated fat consumption during the use of media tools were contributed to the daily consumption significantly. It was found that, adolescents consumed less egg, legumes, milk and dairy products, and vegetables in front of the media tools (p<0.05). A significant correlation was observed between the energy and fat content of foods consumed in front of media tools, and obesity. Also, time spend in the internet cafe are increasing as the energy intake during the use of the media tools increases (p<0.05). Conclusion: Consequently it is necessary to reduce the time spend in front of media tools and regulate the consumed foods during the use of media tools to live a healthier life and reduce the risks of development chronic disease in the future lives.