In a new study, researchers found that people who used their smartphones five or more hours a day had a 43% increased risk of obesity.
In addition, these users were more likely to have other lifestyle habits that increase the risk of heart disease.
The research was conducted by a team from University in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Smartphones are an inherent part of life and grow as a primary source of entertainment, particularly among young people. It leads to a decrease in physical activity.
In the study, the team analyzed 1060 students of the Health Sciences Faculty at the Simón Bolívar University from June to December 2018.
The study group consisted of 700 women and 360 men.
Participating men were 36.1% likely to be overweight and 42.6% likely to be obese. Women were 63.9% likely to be overweight and 57.4% likely to be obese.
The researchers found the risk of obesity increased by 43% if a smartphone was used five or more hours a day, as the people were twice as likely to drink more sugary drinks, fast food, sweets, snacks and have decreased physical activity.
About 26% of the people who were overweight and 4.6%who were obese spent more than five hours using their device.
The team says this study allows them to highlight one of the main causes of physical obesity, a risk factor for heart disease.
It is important that people know that mobile technology should also be used to improve habits and healthy behaviors.
Spending too much time in front of the Smartphone facilitates sedentary behaviors, reduces the time of physical activity, which increases the risk of premature death, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
The lead author of the study is Mirary Mantilla-Morrón, a cardiac pulmonary and vascular rehabilitation specialist.
The study was presented at the ACC Latin America Conference 2019.
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