Obesity Rates Soar with Advancements in Technology in Developing Countries

As if obesity and diabetes weren't already worldwide issues; an international study conducted led by Simon Fraser University in Canada found that these issues are becoming an increasing cause for concern in developing countries where items such as televisions, computers, and cars are more accessible.

More than 150,000 adults were analyzed in 17 countries that ranged from high and middle income to low-income nations. Scott Lear, a Simon Fraser University health sciences professor, led the study that is published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

The participants were questioned on issues regarding ownership of cars, computers, and televisions in addition to physical activity and diet. The results among participants' ownership of such items in the low-income countries found a 400% increase in obesity and a 250% increase in diabetes. A person that owned all three devices displayed a 31% decrease in physical activity and a nine-centimeter increase in waist size compared to people who did not own any of the devices.

There was no such association of comparisons in the high-income countries, but that doesn't mean the results were positive. The researchers found that the effects of ownership of these items in high-income countries were already linked to sedentary lifestyles and obesity and diabetes rates were already hovering at high rates.

"With increasing uptake of modern-day conveniences--TVs, cars, computers--low- and middle-income countries could see the same obesity and diabetes rates as in high-income countries that are the result of too much sitting, less physical activity and increased consumption of calories," said Professor Lear in this EurekAlert! article.

Lear also expressed that the prevalence of such devices in low-income countries may lead to devastating societal health care consequences, especially since it has already been expected that obesity and diabetes rates will increase with industrialization.

To read more about Professor Scott Lear's study, visit this EurekAlert! article.