As per scientist, teenagers who sit for hours watching TV, using a computer or playing video games while eating unhealthy food are at increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The study found these teens are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of risk factors including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels -- that elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The study included data on 33,900 teens ages 12 to 17. The researchers measured the teens' waists and blood pressure, and took blood samples to measure blood glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. Almost 60 percent of the teens were female, and the average age was 14.6. Half of the teens were physically active; 85 percent said they usually eat snacks in front of the TV, while 64 percent usually ate snacks while using the computer or playing video games.

The researchers found 2.5 percent of the teens had metabolic syndrome. Those who spent six or more hours a day in front of screens were 71 percent more likely to have metabolic syndrome compared with those who spent less time in front of screens.

However, heightened risk was only seen in those who reported usually eating snacks in front of screens.

“In these cases, avoiding snack consumption may be easier. Beyond reducing screen time, interventions aiming to reduce snacking in front of screens among youth should be evaluated,” he said.

As per scientist, teenagers who sit for hours watching TV, using a computer or playing video games while eating unhealthy food are at increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The study found these teens are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of risk factors including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels -- that elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The study included data on 33,900 teens ages 12 to 17. The researchers measured the teens' waists and blood pressure, and took blood samples to measure blood glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. Almost 60 percent of the teens were female, and the average age was 14.6. Half of the teens were physically active; 85 percent said they usually eat snacks in front of the TV, while 64 percent usually ate snacks while using the computer or playing video games.

The researchers found 2.5 percent of the teens had metabolic syndrome. Those who spent six or more hours a day in front of screens were 71 percent more likely to have metabolic syndrome compared with those who spent less time in front of screens.

However, heightened risk was only seen in those who reported usually eating snacks in front of screens.

“In these cases, avoiding snack consumption may be easier. Beyond reducing screen time, interventions aiming to reduce snacking in front of screens among youth should be evaluated,” he said.