Digital Addiction and Obesity in the Information Age: The Deep Connection Between Two Modern Threats and Obesity Education

Muhammed Oniz; Nazmi Sarıtaş; Ishak Gocer

doi:10.5281/zenodo.10396706

Authors

Muhammed Oniz 1School of Health Sciences, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
Nazmi Sarıtaş School of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
Ishak Gocer School of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10396706

Keywords:

Digital Addiction, digital gaming, digital minimalism, obesity, obesity education

Abstract

Background: Today, advanced technological developments affect almost every aspect of our lives. Although this situation offers big convenience in the lives of individuals, it has also revealed new threats. Two of these threats are digital addiction and obesity. Although these two threats may seem different, there is a deep connection between them. The increase in the rate of digital addiction leads to an increase in obesity. Technological devices, especially digital devices, lead to malnutrition by pushing people to inactivity. This situation leads to an increase in obesity in society and many health problems. This research aims to examine the relationship between digital addiction and obesity, to understand the short and long-term effects of these two serious health problems on individuals, and to propose solutions to cut these threats. In this context, the terms digital addiction and obesity are defined, and their causes are explained. Also, the health-related risk factors of obesity, how digital addiction increases these risk factors, and strategies for coping with obesity and digital addiction are examined in detail. It is thought that the results obtained will create an awareness in the field of sports-health sciences.

Methods: In the current study, to examine the effect of digital addiction on obesity, a wide literature review including relevant sources was conducted. We aim to raise awareness in the field of sports-health sciences. For this purpose, we conducted a broad literature review to examine the effect of digital addiction on obesity. The review of articles related to the current research topic was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and TR Index electronic databases. During this review, we focused on research published in scientific academic journals. Ten academic articles were included in the study.

Result: The findings of the study show that digital addiction significantly triggers obesity. This emphasizes the negative effects of digital device use on obesity.

Conclusions: According to the results obtained; the increase in digital addiction leads to an increase in obesity, especially by encouraging a sedentary lifestyle and affecting eating habits. Obesity education can raise awareness about "digital addiction" throughout society.

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