The study showed that the development of high-speed Internet has significantly influenced the increase in body weight of the population, creating the preconditions for a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet.
Internet and obesity
Global problem of excess weight
Modern Scientific evidence indicates that the spread of high-speed Internet has a significant impact on physical activity and dietary patterns of the population, leading to rising obesity rates in many countries.
Overweight statistics
Statistics show a worrying trend: in Australia, by 2023, approximately 67% of adults will be overweight or obese. Projections for the US are even more alarming - by 2030, approximately 78% of the population is expected to have problems with weight.
Research results
A scientific team consisting of specialists from Monash University, the University of Melbourne and RMIT University conducted a large-scale study of the impact high-speed Internet on the physical condition of the Australian population. According to Dr. Klaus Ackermann, the availability of high-speed Internet reduces the likelihood of meeting WHO recommendations for physical activity.
Impact on body mass index
The study found that with a 6.6% increase in NBN penetration, there was an increase in average BMI body weight of the population by 1.57 kg/m². According to international standards, a BMI of 25-29.9 indicates overweight, while a BMI of 30 and above indicates obesity.
The mechanism of the influence of the Internet
Long-term use of the Internet leads to a slowdown in metabolism due to a sedentary lifestyle. The situation is aggravated by frequent snacking while working at the computer and a decrease in physical activity due to the availability of online services and virtual communication.
International Studies
The problem is not limited to Australia. A 2024 study in Turkey showed a link between BMI and internet use among college students. An analysis of data from different countries in 2019 revealed that active Internet users are 47% more likely to suffer from excess weight.
Glossary
- NBN - National Broadband Network, Australia's national broadband network
- BMI - Body Mass Index, an indicator for assessing the degree of correspondence between a person's weight and his height
- WHO - World Health Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations in health
- Monash University - one of the largest universities in Australia
- RMIT - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
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Discussion of the topic – Internet and excess weight: how high-speed access affects obesity in the population
A scientific study shows a direct link between the rise of high-speed internet and the rise in obesity by analyzing changes in people's lifestyle and eating habits.
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Isabella
Wow! 78% of Americans obese by 2030 sounds scary. 😱 I have a treadmill at home right next to my computer desk, and I try to walk while watching TV shows. Already -5 kg in six months!
Pierre
I completely agree with the study. I work remotely and have noticed how easy it is to lose track of time online. I switched to the Pomodoro system - 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of warm-up. Helps a lot! 🏃♂️
Hans
This is all nonsense. In my time there was no Internet, but there were plenty of overweight people. They just look for extremes instead of eating less. And what does NBN have to do with it? Some kind of nonsense.
Maria
Isabella, great idea with the path! 👍 I installed an application that blocks social networks every hour for 10 minutes - I get up and do exercises. Maybe someone will find it useful - it's called FitBreak
Oleksandr
Hans, it's not about the Internet itself, but about how we use it. Statistics don’t lie - 1.57 kg/m² is a serious indicator. You just need to organize your day wisely 💪
Isabella
Maria, thanks for the tip! I downloaded FitBreak and will try it. I also order grocery delivery strictly according to the list - no spontaneous purchases of snacks! 🥗
Pierre
Oleksandr is right, everything is in our hands. I even try to conduct online meetings on the go - AirPods and off to the park! 🌳
Maria
Isabella, Pierre, can we create a group chat to share fitness achievements? Motivating each other works wonders! ✨