Obesity in Adolescents and Young Adults in Chinese Digital Media: Individual Causes, Social Implications, and Policy Perspectives

Abstract

This study explores the impact of digital media on the increasing rates of obesity among adolescents and young adults in China. The increasing prevalence of obesity in this demographic has raised concerns about the role of digital media in promoting sedentary behaviors and unhealthy eating habits. Analyzing reasons at personal and social levels, this research aims to elucidate the link between obesity and consumption of digital media. The data was retrieved from national surveyslike CHNS and the CNSSCH, which track obesity patterns over time and highlight new tendencies. Strong association between screen time and obesity rates indicates that bad eating habits and indolent behavior in digital media. As average body mass indices rise from 18.2 kg/m² in 1985 to 19.0 kg/m² in 2005, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese young has drastically raised over the past three decades. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 7-18 years increased from 1.1% in 1985 to 12.1% and 7.3%, respectively, in 2014. Regional disparities were also noted, with the highest obesity rates observed in urban areas and among males aged 8-13 years. This study is important since it could greatly affect public health policy and educational programs. If authorities intend to reduce the obesity incidence among young Chinese young people and create more successful programs to support good living choices, they must have a greater awareness of the link between digital media and obesity. Still, the study had certain limitations. It depends on already-existing survey data, for example, which might not be reflective of every local trend and behavior. Future research should consider geographical variances and longitudinal investigations.