As smartphones remain an inherent part of life and grow as a primary source of entertainment – especially among young people – this leads to a decline in physical activity. In a recent study, college students who used their smartphones for five or more hours a day had a 43 percent higher risk of obesity and were more likely to engage in other lifestyle habits that increase the risk of heart disease.
Researchers analyzed 1060 students. The study group consisted of 700 women and 360 men. With an average age of 19 years and 20 years respectively. Participating men were 36.1 percent overweight and 42.6 percent obese. Women were 63.9 percent overweight and 57.4 percent obese.
Researchers found that the risk of obesity increased by 43 percent if a smartphone was used for five or more hours a day, because participating students were twice as likely to drink more sugary drinks, fast foods, sweets, snacks and reduced physical activity. Twenty-six percent of overweight and 4.6 percent obese spent more than five hours using their device.
