Relationship between the smartphone and obesity

 

Study conducted on a sample of more than 53,000 adolescents

Teens who spend too much time on their smartphones are more likely to develop eating habits that increase their risk of obesity, according to a new study from the Republic of Korea.

The results came as no surprise to a nutritionist not involved in the study, Sharon Zarabi, who is helping a youngster beat obesity. He said spending long periods of time on a phone, or other blue light screens, can disrupt sleep patterns, and not getting enough sleep can impact appetite-stimulating hormones, leading to binge eating [overeating ].

“Have you ever wondered why you crave carbs when you haven't had a full night's rest? Said Zarabi, who heads the Katz Institute for Women's Health at Northwell Health in New York.

Research results

Researchers followed the health of more than 53,000 South Korean adolescents aged 12 to 18 in the new study. Researchers found that those who spent more than two hours a day using their smartphones were much more likely to consume large amounts of junk food. Compared to those who spend less time on their phones, they consume less fruits and vegetables.

Specifically, teens who spent five or more hours a day on the phone were more likely to consume sugary drinks, fast food, crisps and instant snacks than those who spent less than two hours a day on the phone, according to one. team led by Hannah Oh, Assistant Professor at Korea University.

It all added to the extra pounds: Teens who spent more than three hours a day using a smartphone were also much more likely to be overweight or obese, according to the results.

The reasons for using the smartphone plays an important role in being overweight

Equally important seemed to be why teens used their phones. Those who used their phone more for chatting / messaging, gaming, video / music and social media had healthier eating habits than those who used it more for chatting / messaging, games, video / music and social media.

Teens who used their smartphones primarily for playing games, watching videos or listening to music were more likely to be overweight, according to a study presented on June 7 at a virtual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. .

Oh explained in a press release: “While previous studies have shown that watching television increases the risk of obesity in children and adolescents, nothing is known about the effects of screen time, such as using a smartphone. " Our results suggest that the time spent on a smartphone and the type of content viewed may have an independent impact on adolescent nutrition and obesity.

The researchers found that a variety of factors - such as a more 'insensitive' diet, insufficient sleep, or spending time on the phone that might otherwise be spent on something physical - could help explain the link between obesity and weight gain.

The solution to help adolescents overcome this problem

The study was unable to establish a cause and effect relationship. However, Zarabi says spending less time on the phone and more time being active can help people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

"Children should be encouraged to be more active and to use the energy they consume, even during periods of growth," she said. "Instead, we store all the excess sugars and calories from processed foods that are readily available and unresponsive, while obsessed with our addicting cell phones."

Since this study was presented at a medical meeting, its findings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.