Scientists warn: heavy use of gadgets can cause overeating

Scientists warn: heavy use of gadgets can cause overeating

The experiment proved that the habit of not letting the phone out of your hands is harmful to your health and figure.

How often in everyday life do we try to do several things at the same time? Listening to music and texting a friend. Or talking on the phone while browsing a catalog in an online store. Turns out, this can be dangerous to your health and even lead to weight gain. A new study by scientists from the United States confirms: multitasking affects conditioned reflexes and can provoke overeating.

How do smartphones affect brain activity and reflexes?

In March 2019, a group of American scientists conducted a study in the field of psychology. They hypothesized: the simultaneous use of several digital devices may be linked to obesity. A person scatters his attention if he observes two screens at once. For example, watching TV and flipping through a social media feed on a smartphone. Over time, this can affect brain activity processes, including changing the response to hunger.

The researchers conducted an experiment: they selected more than 130 students aged 18 to 23 years (37% of them are overweight) and asked them to fill out questionnaires. The interviewees indicated in them how many hours a day they spend in front of a computer screen, how many devices are involved and whether it does not interfere with their tasks. It turned out that young people who are used to using several gadgets at once are more often distracted by external stimuli. Coincidence or not, these respondents had a higher body mass index than normal.

Then all participants of the experiment were sent for MRI scans of the brain. During the scan they were shown pictures of appetizing food. And the students from the group of “multitasking users” reacted most actively to the images. They were also found to have a tendency to overeat.

5 ways to reduce the risks of using gadgets

First of all, the authors of the study recommend not to turn on several devices at the same time. Listening to music from a player and reading the news on a smartphone is not the best idea. Such a load is dangerous for the brain. There are a few more tips that are worth listening to for the benefit of health.

• Give your mind some rest. A walk in the park, a nap, meditation or just a couple minutes in silence will help unload your thoughts.
• Shorten your session time. This will also avoid problems with vision and posture. Specialists from Pirogov Russian National Research Institute of Medical Sciences advise spending no more than three hours a day in front of a phone screen. In today’s world it is not easy, but you can start small.

• Do not forget about physical activity. Especially if you spend most of the day sitting in an uncomfortable position. Even regular exercise is useful. Stretch your muscles and joints and get back to work.
• Give yourself an electronic detox at least once in a while. Give up gadgets for a few hours and spend them with friends in the fresh air.