Rising internet use linked to obesity spike, study finds
According to the latest research by Australian scientists, increased internet bandwidth affects the rise in body mass index (BMI) and, consequently, the more frequent occurrence of obesity. The mechanism is simple: more time spent in front of a screen means less physical activity.
Specialists from the University of Melbourne and RMIT University analyzed data collected in the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study covering 2006–2019. They found that an increase in broadband internet use by 1% is associated with an average increase in BMI of 15 kg/m² 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 behaviour, explains Dr. Klaus Ackermann, the author of the study published in the magazine "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 behaviour 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 problem, as it limits the number of face-to-face meetings with family and friends, thus 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, or type 2 diabetes, and also generates enormous financial costs. In 2022, almost 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, emphasizes Dr. Ackermann.
According to scientists, educating people about the potential link between a sedentary lifestyle and internet access is important. 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.
