Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background:
Screen usage during meals has become a common behavioural practice in modern lifestyle. Ayurveda emphasizes attentive eating (Tanmana Bhunjita) as essential for maintaining balanced Agni and preventing Ama formation. However, the impact of distracted eating on digestive and metabolic parameters has not been systematically evaluated using integrative assessment models.
Objective:
To assess the impact of screen exposure during meals on behavioural, Ayurvedic, and biochemical parameters among apparently healthy young adults.
Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 80 apparently healthy individuals aged 16–30 years. Participants were allocated into two groups: Screen Usage Group (n = 40) and Control Group (n = 40). Subjective parameters included mindful eating score, Agni status, and Ama score. Objective parameters included time to perceive satiety and post-prandial blood glucose (PPBG). Quantitative variables were analysed using unpaired t-test and qualitative variables using Chi-square test. Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson and Spearman coefficients. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
The screen usage group demonstrated significantly lower mindful eating scores, higher Ama scores, delayed satiety perception, and elevated PPBG levels compared to controls (p < 0.001). Agni distribution differed significantly between groups, with predominance of Mandagni in the screen group (60%) and Samagni in controls (65%). Ama score showed a moderate positive correlation with PPBG (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), while mindful eating score demonstrated a moderate negative correlation with PPBG (r = −0.38, p = 0.015).
Conclusion:
Screen exposure during meals is associated with altered eating behaviour, impaired digestive parameters, and higher post prandial glycemic response. These findings provide measurable support for the Ayurvedic principle of attentive eating.

Key words: Keywords: Agni, Ama, Ayurveda, Eating habits, Gut–brain axis, Mindful eating.