Obesity is a serious global public health problem, linked to a range of risks such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and premature death. In the US, it is estimated that by 2030, 781 adults will be overweight or obese. Similarly, in Australia, 2022 data shows that two-thirds of adults (661) are overweight or obese.
A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are considered the main causes of rising obesity rates. However, this new research has added another important contributing factor: high-speed internet.
The study used data from the HILDA (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) survey and the National Broadband Infrastructure (NBN) project to analyze the impact of high-speed internet rollout since 2012.
Dr. Klaus Ackermann, the lead author of the study, said: “"High-speed internet access leads to less physical activity, resulting in increased sedentary behavior.".
Analysis results show that for every 11 TP3T increase in the acceptance rate of NBN, the average body mass index (BMI) increases by 1.57 kg/m², along with an additional 6.61 TP3T increase in the obesity rate. BMI is a standard measure for assessing body status, with a BMI of 30 or higher considered obese.
Causes and mechanisms of action
The use of high-speed internet leads to increased online time, reduced physical activity, and facilitates unhealthy habits such as:
- Prolonged screen time: Spending long hours sitting at a computer or watching online content reduces metabolic rate.
- Snacking: Internet use is often accompanied by snacking habits, increasing daily calorie intake.
- Reduced outdoor activity: The internet enables many tasks to be done online, from shopping to communication, reducing the need for physical activity.
Furthermore, easy access to entertainment content such as online gaming or watching movies constantly encourages a sedentary lifestyle.
It's not just an Australian issue.
The impact of high-speed internet on obesity rates is not limited to Australia. A 2024 study in Turkey also found a positive correlation between BMI and excessive internet use among university students. A 2019 review in the US found that heavy internet users were at a higher risk of being overweight or obese (47%) compared to those who used less internet.
A direction for the future
Researchers emphasize the need to develop policies to mitigate the negative impacts of high-speed internet. This includes:
- Encourage physical activity: Intensify campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Reduce screen time: Encourage limiting online time to reduce sedentary behavior.
- Consider environmental factors: Ensure a living environment that encourages people to participate in outdoor activities.
A warning from the study.
Dr. Ackermann asserted: “"These findings suggest that, while high-speed internet offers many benefits, we need to be aware of the potential negative impacts on health.".
The research, published in the journal Economics & Human Biology, not only raises awareness of the link between technology and health but also lays the groundwork for future strategies to manage the impact of technology.
Obesity is a global crisis, and these findings serve as a reminder that the convenience of technology should not come at the expense of human health.
According to thanhnienviet.vn
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