Sedentary Behavior and Health Outcomes in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to summarize findings from epidemiological studies that determined if sedentary behavior was associated with obesity, metabolic risk factors, and cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents. We noted if studies adjusted for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary intakes, and/or sleep duration. Articles were identified through PubMed using the search terms: (sedentary OR sitting OR television) AND (adiposity OR blood pressure OR body mass index OR cardiometabolic OR metabolic risk OR waist circumference). The search was limited to ages 6 to 18 years, humans, and published between January 1, 2008 and September 26, 2012. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies observed associations between more sedentary behavior, especially screen-based sedentary behavior, and measures of obesity; and most associations were independent of MVPA and dietary intake. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reported associations between screen-based sedentary behavior and lower cardiorespiratory fitness, and most associations were independent of MVPA and obesity. Cross-sectional studies observed associations between more screen-based and objectively measured sedentary behavior and lower insulin sensitivity; and most associations were independent of MVPA and obesity. There was little-to-no evidence that sedentary behavior was associated with increased blood pressure and increased blood lipids.