Smartphone addicts are "more likely to get fat and get a life-threatening illness"

People who are stuck on the phone all day can become very fat and suffer serious illness.

The warning of scientists fearing addiction to smartphones is linked to a decrease in physical activity, which could be fatal for heavy users.

"It's important for the general population to know and be aware that, while mobile technology is undeniably attractive for its multiple purposes, portability, comfort, access to countless services, sources From information and entertainment, it must also be used to improve healthy habits and behaviors. Said Mirary Mantilla-Morrón, a specialist in pulmonary and cardiac vascular rehabilitation at Simón Bolívar University, Colombia, and lead author of a study exploring the effects of excessive phone use.

"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 study found that people who used a smartphone five hours or more a day "had an increased risk of obesity by 43% and were more likely to have other lifestyle habits that increase the risk of heart disease.

The researchers badyzed 1060 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Simón Bolívar University in June and December 2018.

The study group consisted of 700 women and 360 men aged 19 and 20 years.

The researchers found that the risk of obesity increased by 43% if one was using a smartphone five or more hours a day, participating students' twice as likely to drink more sugary drinks, fast food , treats, snacks and reduced physical activity.

About 26% of overweight participants and 4.6% of obese people spent more than five hours with their device.

"The results of this study allow us to highlight one of the main causes of physical obesity, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease," added Mantilla-Morrón.

"We have also determined that the time during which a person is exposed to the use of technologies – especially prolonged cell phone use – is badociated with the development of obesity."