An obsession with digital devices could be making people fat - at least that's what researchers from Rice University in Texas believe.
They were assessed using a scale that assessed compulsive or inappropriate phone use such as checking messages while talking to someone else, as well as passive use such as getting messages while doing other work.
Those with a higher score on the scale were more likely to have a higher body mass index and more body fat. In the second part, 72 participants from the first study were put through an MRI scanner while they were shown a series of images, including some with tempting and fattening foods thrown in. The researchers saw increased brain activity in the part of the brain dealing with temptation when these images were shown.
"Such links are important to establish, given rising obesity rates and the prevalence of multimedia use in much of the modern world," said Richard Lopez, the lead author of the study.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Zimbabwe finmin criticises 'profiteering' price hikes as new currency fallsSince the RTGS dollar was introduced in February, prices of staples including sugar, cooking oil and rice have risen as much as 60%, squeezing already hard-pressed consumers.
Read more »
Zimbabwe minister criticises ‘profiteering’ as new currency fallsPrices of staples, including sugar, cooking oil and rice, have risen as much as 60% since the RTGS dollar was introduced in February
Read more »
US boosts humanitarian relief for MozambiqueAn estimated 2,500 metric tons of rice, peas, and vegetable oil were delivered to affected people in Sofala, Zambezia, and Manica provinces.
Read more »
WATCH: Security guard attacked in his vehicle, robbed of wallet, cellphone and bulletproof vest
Read more »
Cellphone apps fight Africa's sexual taboosThe app 'myPaddi' anonymously connects young people with doctors who advise them on sex and contraception.
Read more »
Cellphone apps fight Africa's sexual taboosThe app 'myPaddi' anonymously connects young people with doctors who advise them on sex and contraception.
Read more »
Cellphone apps fight Africa's sexual taboosWhen Charles Immanuel Akhimien was a medical student he was shocked to learn that a former classmate had died from a back-alley abortion.
Read more »
WATCH | Trevor Noah weighs in on 'Mexicans are stealing' the US border claimsTrevor Noah has fans rolling with laughter when he featured a news story about wire from the US/Mexico border going missing.
Read more »
SARS workers to weigh up new wage offerUnions Nehawu and the Public Service Association are expected to take a new pay offer back to their members.
Read more »