High-speed internet linked to rising obesity rates, study reveals
According to the latest research by Australian scientists, increased internet bandwidth is linked to a rise in body mass index (BMI) and, consequently, a more frequent occurrence of obesity. The mechanism is straightforward: more time spent in front of a screen leads to less physical activity.
2:18 PM EST, November 20, 2024
Specialists from the University of Melbourne and RMIT University analyzed data collected in the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study, covering the years 2006–2019. They found that an increase in broadband internet use by 1% is associated with an average increase in BMI of 3 lbs/ft² and an increase in the frequency of obesity by 6.6%.
Access to high-speed internet connection decreases the likelihood of individuals meeting the minimum physical activity recommendation proposed by the WHO [World Health Organization]. That is, individuals become more inactive and exhibit more sedentary behavior, explains Dr. Klaus Ackermann, the author of the study published in the journal "Economics & Human Biology."
Researchers point out that popular activities, such as prolonged use of streaming platforms or online games, contribute to increased time spent sitting. "Sedentary behavior is induced by the need to stay connected online for longer hours, which leads to lower metabolic rates and contributes to obesity. This problem is elevated by the need to frequently consume snacks during computer usage, which increases the daily intake of calories that contribute to obesity," adds Dr. Ackermann.
Additionally, access to various goods and services via the Internet reduces the need to engage in daily physical activities. Specialists emphasize that electronic communication is also a concern, as it limits the number of face-to-face meetings with family and friends, thereby reducing further opportunities to be physically active.
Obesity and health problems
Obesity increases the risk of many long-term health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, and also incurs enormous financial costs. In 2022, almost two-thirds of adult Australians were overweight or obese. The situation in Poland is also concerning – over half of individuals over the age of 15 struggle with being overweight or obese, with obesity affecting nearly 20%.
Given that access to high-speed internet increases the prevalence of obesity through sedentary behavior, our findings suggest that policies to promote awareness of the negative implications of sedentary behavior are important, emphasizes Dr. Ackermann.
According to scientists, it is important to educate people about the potential link between a sedentary lifestyle and internet access. This could influence changes in their daily habits and encourage taking longer breaks from the internet and engaging in physical activity. Campaigns encouraging short but intense exercise sessions may also be useful in counteracting the negative effects of spending too much time in front of a screen.
