The time-stamped effects of screen exposure on food intake in adults: A meta-analysis of experimental studies

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine time-stamped impacts of screen exposure on food intake among healthy adults.

Methods: Four electronic databases were searched up to August 31, 2024, including ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. A meta-analysis of inverse variance was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) in food intake between watching and not watching screen groups, and groups with different screen contents (e.g., food cues).

Results: 23 experimental studies with 1894 participants were included. Watching screen (vs. not watching group, SMD: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.26; I² = 42%; p 0.01) significantly increased food intake, while the impact of the contents, including food cues, weight control cues and TV conditions, displayed on screens on food intake was not significantly different. Subgroup analysis revealed that food intake increased significantly with exposure to screens in females (SMD: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.35; I² = 25%; p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Adults especially females eat more while watching screen, whatever the screen content displayed on the screen. Given the influence of study designs, more within-subject studies with high quality were required to understand the intricate relationship between screen exposure and food intake, ultimately managing promoting healthier dietary habits.