A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young Adults

The widespread use of digital devices has significantly impacted lifestyle behaviours in young adults, particularly dietary patterns and sleep cycles. This study aimed to assess the association between screen time, night-time eating behaviour, and body composition among young adults aged 18–25 years...

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Main Authors: Sharma Anshu, Singh Karuna, Rikhari Aditi, Akansha, Jain Divita
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: EDP Sciences 2025-01-01
Series:BIO Web of Conferences
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Online Access:https://www.bio-conferences.org/articles/bioconf/pdf/2025/29/bioconf_amifost2025_02019.pdf
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author Sharma Anshu
Singh Karuna
Rikhari Aditi
Akansha
Jain Divita
author_facet Sharma Anshu
Singh Karuna
Rikhari Aditi
Akansha
Jain Divita
author_sort Sharma Anshu
collection DOAJ
description The widespread use of digital devices has significantly impacted lifestyle behaviours in young adults, particularly dietary patterns and sleep cycles. This study aimed to assess the association between screen time, night-time eating behaviour, and body composition among young adults aged 18–25 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 students from Sharda University. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), 24-hour dietary recall, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0, with chi-square tests applied to identify significant associations (p < 0.05). A total of 59.3% of participants reported using screens for more than four hours daily, while 81.3% engaged in food consumption after 8 PM at least once per week. Significant associations were observed between prolonged screen time and night-time eating, as well as screen use immediately before bedtime. Participants with late-night eating habits exhibited higher intake of energy-dense, carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods, and had elevated body fat mass (20.66 ± 8.31 kg), percent body fat (32.95 ± 10.4%), and visceral fat levels (9.71 ± 4.78). Excessive screen time, especially during evening hours, is significantly associated with increased night eating frequency and poorer body composition among young adults. These findings emphasize the need for behavioural interventions targeting digital exposure, mindful eating, and meal timing to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related disorders in this age group.
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spelling doaj-art-4667a0d7cbbd4d6d89ecce3dcd04def42025-08-20T02:05:51ZengEDP SciencesBIO Web of Conferences2117-44582025-01-011780201910.1051/bioconf/202517802019bioconf_amifost2025_02019A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young AdultsSharma Anshu0Singh Karuna1Rikhari Aditi2Akansha3Jain Divita4Student, Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda UniversityProfessor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sharda School of Allied Health Science, Sharda UniversityAssistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sharda School of Allied Health Science, Sharda UniversityAssistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Sharda School of Allied Health Science, Sharda UniversityResearch Scholar, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharda School of Allied Health Science, Sharda UniversityThe widespread use of digital devices has significantly impacted lifestyle behaviours in young adults, particularly dietary patterns and sleep cycles. This study aimed to assess the association between screen time, night-time eating behaviour, and body composition among young adults aged 18–25 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 students from Sharda University. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), 24-hour dietary recall, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0, with chi-square tests applied to identify significant associations (p < 0.05). A total of 59.3% of participants reported using screens for more than four hours daily, while 81.3% engaged in food consumption after 8 PM at least once per week. Significant associations were observed between prolonged screen time and night-time eating, as well as screen use immediately before bedtime. Participants with late-night eating habits exhibited higher intake of energy-dense, carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods, and had elevated body fat mass (20.66 ± 8.31 kg), percent body fat (32.95 ± 10.4%), and visceral fat levels (9.71 ± 4.78). Excessive screen time, especially during evening hours, is significantly associated with increased night eating frequency and poorer body composition among young adults. These findings emphasize the need for behavioural interventions targeting digital exposure, mindful eating, and meal timing to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related disorders in this age group.https://www.bio-conferences.org/articles/bioconf/pdf/2025/29/bioconf_amifost2025_02019.pdfnight eating habitsscreen timeyoung adultsdietary intakeeating behaviornutritional patternslifestyle factors
spellingShingle Sharma Anshu
Singh Karuna
Rikhari Aditi
Akansha
Jain Divita
A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young Adults
BIO Web of Conferences
night eating habits
screen time
young adults
dietary intake
eating behavior
nutritional patterns
lifestyle factors
title A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young Adults
title_full A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young Adults
title_fullStr A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young Adults
title_full_unstemmed A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young Adults
title_short A Study on the Relationship Between Screen Usage Duration and Night-Time Eating in Young Adults
title_sort study on the relationship between screen usage duration and night time eating in young adults
topic night eating habits
screen time
young adults
dietary intake
eating behavior
nutritional patterns
lifestyle factors
url https://www.bio-conferences.org/articles/bioconf/pdf/2025/29/bioconf_amifost2025_02019.pdf
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