Physical activity, screen time, dietary habits, and health outcomes among children and adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa region: a narrative review
Narrative review identifies correlations of physical activity and screen time with health outcomes in children and adolescents, suggesting implications for dietary habits.
Key Points
A significant proportion of children and adolescents in the MENA region do not meet physical activity guidelines, leading to increased sedentary lifestyles.
High screen time exposure among youth is linked to unhealthy dietary habits, obesity, and metabolic disorders, complicating health outcomes.
Factors like socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and environmental barriers significantly shape physical activity and screen time behaviors.
Interventions involving schools and parental engagement are crucial to promote active lifestyles and mitigate negative health effects.