With smartphones being an inherent part of our lives and a primary source of entertainment for all ages, this leads to a decrease in physical activity.
"It is important that the general population know and be aware that, although mobile technology is undoubtedly attractive for its multiple purposes, portability, comfort, access to countless services, information and entertainment sources, it should also be used to improve habits and healthy behaviors," said Mirary Mantilla-Morrón, a cardiac pulmonary and vascular rehabilitation specialist at the Health Sciences Faculty at the Simón Bolívar University in Barranquilla, Colombia, and the lead author of the study.
It has been found that spending too much time in front of the smartphone facilities reduces the time of physical activity, which increases the risk of premature death, diabetes, heart disease, different types of cancer, osteoarticular discomfort and musculoskeletal symptoms.
Researchers has found that the risk of obesity increased by 43% if a smartphone was used five or more hours a day, as participating students were twice as likely to drink more sugary drinks, fast food, sweets, snacks and have decreased physical activity. 26% of the subjects who were overweight and 4.6% who were obese spent more than five hours using their device.
Results found allow us to highlight one of the main causes of physical obesity, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have also determined that the amount of time in which a person is exposed to the use of technologies – specifically prolonged cell phone use – is associated with the development of obesity.
Source material from Science Daily