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Virtual communication is a major cause of obesity
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Recently, specialists from Ireland conducted several studies and came to the conclusion that there is a connection between excess weight and frequent presence on social networks. As it turned out, people who are addicted to online life are more prone to obesity.
Irish experts conducted a sociological survey, based on the results of which the corresponding conclusions were made. Most of the respondents were students, who represent the main target audience of social networks. Scientists found out that on average, the average modern person spends at least one hour a day on virtual communication, while the rest spent on the World Wide Web was not taken into account.
According to scientists, poor physical fitness is associated with frequent sitting at the computer and long-term communication on the Internet. Also, people who prefer virtual communication to real one do not like team games and spend all their free time on the Internet.
Previous studies have shown that people who like to communicate virtually have high levels of self-esteem, but virtually no self-control. All this indicates that such people often snack on unhealthy foods, often right while communicating with friends and family. This is the main cause of obesity, and not a sedentary lifestyle, according to experts from Pittsburgh and Columbia.
Recent studies in Russia have shown that about 80% of citizens spend most of their time at the computer, watching movies, TV series, reading the news or chatting with friends. Moreover, most of those surveyed noted that they are online 24 hours a day, which allows many modern gadgets to always be in touch with friends. It was interesting that virtual communication is preferred not only by young people, but also by older people. Many said that they spend time at the computer, while consciously refusing simple household chores, studying or meeting with friends. People over 45 admitted that they began to spend much more time at the computer recently, while refusing to read interesting books. Experts believe that this primarily affects the intellectual development of citizens.
In turn, doctors said that obesity not only spoils a person’s appearance, but also causes many serious diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Currently, there are more than a billion people in developing countries who suffer from obesity (not counting children and teenagers). Compared to 1980, the number of overweight people on the planet has increased threefold. Experts note that in the next few decades, the number of diabetes, strokes, and heart attacks will increase. Scientists are sure that this problem should be solved at the government level and it is already necessary to start working with the population and conduct campaigns against obesity, similar to those carried out in Denmark or South Korea.