Obesity is one of the best-documented results of media exposure on screen. Many observational studies have found a correlation between screen exposure and increased risks of obesity. Randomized controlled studies to reduce screen time in the community have reduced weight gain in children, showing a causal relationship. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to screen media leads to obesity in children and adolescents through increased eating during watching; exposure to high calorie foods, low-nutrition foods, and beverage marketing that affect children's preferences, purchasing requests, drinking habits; and reduced sleep duration. Some evidence also suggests that interactive media will be used to improve eating behavior and physical activity to prevent or reduce obesity. Future interdisciplinary research is needed to study the effects of newer mobile and other digital media exposures on obesity; examine the effectiveness of additional interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of media exposure to obesity and possible moderators and mediators of the effects of the intervention; to effectively use digital media interventions to prevent and reduce obesity; and to reveal the underlying mechanisms of causal relationships and the interactions between obesity outcomes and media content, characteristics, and context.
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