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Since smartphones continue to be an integral part of life and become a major source of entertainment, especially among young people, it results in a decline in physical activity. In a recent study presented at the 2019 VAC Latin America Conference, university students who used their smartphone five hours or more a day were at an increased risk of obesity by 43% and were more likely to have other lifestyle habits increasing the risk of heart disease.
"It is important for the general population to know and be aware that while mobile technology is undoubtedly attractive for its multiple purposes, portability, comfort, access to countless services, sources information and entertainment, it should also be used to improve healthy habits and behaviors, "said Mirary Mantilla-Morrón, specialist in pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiac vascular therapy at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the 39; Simón Bolívar University of Barranquilla, Colombia, and the principal author of the study. "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, various types of cancer, osteoarticular discomfort and musculoskeletal symptoms. "
The researchers badyzed 1060 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Simón Bolívar University from June to December 2018. The study group was composed of 700 women and 360 men. With an average age of 19 years and 20 years respectively. Men participating 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 that the risk of obesity increased by 43% if one used a smartphone five hours or more per day, participating students being twice as likely to drink more sugary drinks, fast food , sweets, snacks and having reduced physical activity. Twenty-six percent of the overweight and 4.6% of the obese spent more than five hours with their device.
"The results of this study allow us to highlight one of the leading causes of physical obesity, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease," Mantilla-Morrón said. "We also determined that the time during which a person is exposed to the use of technologies – particularly the prolonged use of a cell phone – is badociated with the development of obesity. "
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Material provided by American College of Cardiology. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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