Correlation between internet addiction and overweight/obesity in adolescents.

Background Internet addiction is an emerging health issue in modern society and is associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to excessive weight gain and obesity. Objective To assess for a correlation between internet addiction and overweight/obesity in adolescents. Methods In this st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Paediatrica Indonesiana Vol. 65; no. 6; pp. 509 - 516
Main Authors: Dharma Putra, Ida Bagus Anom, Trisna Windiani, I. Gusti Ayu, Putu Eka Pratiwi, I. Gusti Ayu
Format: research tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Indonesian Pediatric Society Nov2025
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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Summary:Background Internet addiction is an emerging health issue in modern society and is associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to excessive weight gain and obesity. Objective To assess for a correlation between internet addiction and overweight/obesity in adolescents. Methods In this study, secondary data were collected from a previous study (April-July 2022) conducted in junior high schools in Denpasar. Internet addiction was determined using the Indonesian version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT-Ina) questionnaire. We analyzed the association between internet addiction and overweight/obesity. Results A total of 641 children met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 242 (37.8%) were classified as having internet addiction, while 399 (62.2%) were not. One hundred seven (44.2%) children with internet addiction had overweight/obesity, whereas 145 (36.3%) of non-addicted children had the same condition. A significant positive association was found between internet addiction and overweight/obesity (PR 1.38; 95%CI 1.03 to 1.92; P=0.048). Conclusion Internet addiction is significantly associated with overweight and obesity in adolescents.