Teenage boys like nothing more than to spend their time in front of the computer or television, or to tinker with their mobile gadgets. But a study conducted by a team of experts at the University Hospital of North Norway in Tromso said that this habit could result in the development of weaker bones when the boys are older, as reported by Fox News.
"We found a relationship between higher screen time and lower bone mineral density in boys," Anne Wither, one of the authors of the study, said. The team established that because of lack of physical activities or exercise, the bones in the body tend to be weaker with age. The period between 15 to 19 years old is supposed to be the ideal time for the body to develop stronger bone density levels through physical activities. This helps reduce the risks of developing osteoporosis later in life.
The researchers studied the pattern of activities of some 1,000 Norwegian teenagers, both boys and girls. They monitored the youngsters' computer use, gadget use and television habits during weekends, and also took note of whether or not the kids participated in recreational and sports activities.
The researchers found out that those who had over six hours of screen time daily were heavier in weight and it was the boys who spent more time in front of the TV or computer, averaging at least five hours a day. The longer the boys spent their time on screen, the lower their bones' density levels registered, the researchers discovered.
The participants' bone density was regularly scanned at the hips, thigh bones and other areas of the body. The experts found "strong indicators of fracture risk" among the teenage boys. "The most important finding was that the detrimental relationship between this screen-based sedentary behavior and bone mass density in boys persisted two years later," Wither said.
The study, however, also found out that even with heavier screen time among girls, the boys seem to develop more risks with weaker bones. The experts said that this may be because of differences in body fat distribution in the male and female anatomy, according to Mirror. Girls also tend to multitask activities, like doing crafts while watching TV or using the computer.
The experts advise parents to limit screen time among teenagers, or encourage boys to spend more time exercising by giving them gifts such as skateboards, bikes or balls.
