Internet growth linked to rising obesity rates, warn scientists
According to recent research by Australian scientists, increased internet bandwidth correlates with 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 results in less physical activity.
Experts from the University of Melbourne and RMIT University analysed data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study, which covers the years 2006–2019. They found that an increase in broadband internet use by 1% is associated with an average increase in BMI of 1.5 kg/m² and a rise 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 behaviour – explains Dr Klaus Ackermann, the author of the study published in the journal "Economics & Human Biology."
Researchers highlight that popular activities, such as prolonged use of streaming platforms or online gaming, lead to increased time spent sitting. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with the need to stay online for extended periods, which leads to a decrease in metabolic rate 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.
Moreover, access to various goods and services via the Internet reduces the need to engage in daily physical activities. Specialists stress that electronic communication is also problematic, as it limits the number of face-to-face meetings with family and friends, thus further reducing opportunities to be physically active.
Obesity and health problems
Obesity increases the risk of many long-term health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes, and also incurs enormous financial costs. In 2022, nearly two-thirds of adult Australians were overweight or obese.
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 – emphasises Dr Ackermann.
According to scientists, it is essential to educate people about the potential link between a sedentary lifestyle and internet access. This could motivate changes in their daily habits and encourage them to take longer breaks from the internet and engage in physical activity. Campaigns promoting short but intense exercise sessions might also effectively counter the negative effects of excessive screen time.
