By Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Jan 15 2026 A study of primary school children shows that excess screen use is tied to higher body fat, while better cardiorespiratory fitness may help protect against some of its metabolic consequences. Study: The association of screen time with childhood obesity and metabolic status: a mediation analysis of cardiorespiratory fitness. Image credit: Steve Heap/Shutterstock.com A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology reveals