Bingeing television programs and playing online gaming could be making Australia’s obesity problem worse, according to new research.
A joint study by the University of Melbourne and RMIT University titled ‘The fattening speed’ explored the link between high-speed internet use and a person’s risk of developing obesity or becoming overweight.
It found that bingeing content on streaming platforms and online gameplay decreased the likelihood of people meeting the “minimal physical activity recommendation” established by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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ABS data found almost two thirds of Australian adults were either overweight or obese in 2022.
Sedentary behaviour from prolonged internet use and a lack of physical exercise combined were “mechanisms which internet speed transmits to obesity”, said senior author Dr Klaus Acklermann from Monash Business School.
“Sedentary behaviour is induced by the need to stay connected online for longer hours, which leads to lower metabolic rate and contributes to obesity,” Ackermann said.
“This problem is elevated by the need to frequently consume snacks during computer usage, which increases the daily intake of calories that contribute to obesity.”
Ackermann said internet usage also decreased the need for people to perform errands physically and reduced the urgency of meeting friends and family in person.
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These factors also contribute to fewer opportunities for physical activity.
Statistically speaking, the researchers found a one per cent increase in the National Broadband Network adoption rate is associated with a 6.6 per cent increase in obesity prevalence.
Ackermann said there was a need for public awareness about the risk of high-speed internet access in relation to sedentary behaviour.
“This could motivate people to take breaks between screen time to reduce sedentary behaviour and engage in physical activity to promote a healthier lifestyle,” he added.
