Media multitasking can lead to obesity

Do you keep juggling between digital devices like smartphone, tablet and PC? Then, don't do so. According to a new study, media multitasking can cause obesity.

By: IANS | | Published: April 4, 2019 8:05 am

Media multitasking may increase obesity risk. © Shutterstock

The study showed that mindless switching between digital devices could be associated with increased susceptibility to food temptations and lack of self-control, which may cause weight gain. Also Read - Does obesity make you more prone to COVID-19? Other risk factors that demand extra precaution

Also Read - Saliva can predict excess body fat in teenagers

“Increased exposure to phones, tablets and other portable devices has been one of the most significant changes to our environments in the past few decades, and this occurred during a period in which obesity rates also climbed in many places,” said lead author Richard Lopez, postdoctoral candidate from Rice University in the US. Also Read - How long does marijuana stay in your system?

The research, published in the journal Brain Imaging and Behaviour, included 132 participants aged 18-23 years.

The team measured proactive behaviours of compulsive or inappropriate phone use (like feeling the urge to check phone for messages, while talking to someone) as well as passive behaviours like media-related distractions that interfere with your work.

The findings showed those with higher scores were associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and greater body fat percentage.

The participants underwent an fMRI scan during which researchers measured brain activity, while people were shown a series of appetising but fattening foods’ images.

When media multitaskers saw pictures of food, the part of the brain dealing with food temptation became more active, said researchers.

Lopez said it was important to establish such links given the rising obesity and prevalence of multimedia use.

Published : April 4, 2019 8:05 am

Read Disclaimer

Here is how you can prevent diabetes mellitus

Did you know? Long travel to work during pregnancy may be harmful for baby

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Here is how you can prevent diabetes mellitus

Did you know? Long travel to work during pregnancy may be harmful for baby

Does obesity make you more prone to COVID-19? Other risk factors that demand extra precaution

Health tech: Consider having a digital body fat scale if you're on a weight loss mission

Saliva can predict excess body fat in teenagers

How long does marijuana stay in your system?

Our chances of obesity increase as we step into adulthood, finds study

About The health Site

Useful Links