Does using a smartphone while eating contribute to weight gain?
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Smartphone Use While Eating and Weight Gain: Key Findings
Increased Caloric Intake and Distraction During Meals
Multiple studies show that using a smartphone while eating can lead to increased calorie consumption. Experimental research found that adults consumed about 15% more calories when distracted by a smartphone compared to eating without distractions, with similar increases seen when reading a printed text. This effect was also observed in lipid (fat) intake, and the increase in calories depended on factors like sex and age, with older men eating more when distracted . Reviews and overviews of the literature confirm that smartphone use during meals is linked to higher caloric intake in young people, likely because distraction interferes with the body’s natural hunger and fullness signals 24.
Association With Weight Gain and Eating Behaviors
Survey-based research among college students found that those who used smartphones during meals had a significantly higher incidence of weight gain compared to those who did not use smartphones while eating. The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is suggested that smartphone use may disrupt appetite control and lead to overeating . Other studies have found positive correlations between smartphone addiction, eating behavior disorders, and higher body mass index (BMI), suggesting that frequent or problematic smartphone use is associated with both disordered eating and increased risk of being overweight 89.
Contradictory Evidence and Research Gaps
Not all studies agree on the link between smartphone use while eating and increased calorie intake. Some real-world studies, where participants logged their food intake and smartphone use over several days, found no significant association between smartphone use and calorie consumption. These findings suggest that the effect seen in laboratory settings may not always translate to everyday life 56. Reviews highlight that more long-term and real-world studies are needed to fully understand the relationship and the underlying mechanisms .
Smartphone Apps for Weight Management
While using a smartphone as a distraction during meals may contribute to overeating, using smartphone apps for self-monitoring and attentive eating can have the opposite effect. Some studies show that frequent use of attentive eating apps is associated with greater weight loss, as these apps encourage users to be more mindful of their eating habits 710. However, the effectiveness of these apps depends on user engagement and motivation.
Conclusion
Overall, there is strong evidence that using a smartphone while eating can increase calorie intake and is associated with weight gain, especially among young people and students 1234. However, some studies in real-life settings do not find this association, indicating that the effect may depend on context and individual differences 56. Additionally, while smartphone distraction during meals may promote overeating, using smartphones for mindful eating and self-monitoring can support weight management 710. More research is needed to clarify these relationships and to develop effective interventions.
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