High-speed internet access is making us fat

A new study has found a worrying link between the rollout of high-speed internet and rising obesity rates in Australia. The study, conducted by scientists from Monash University, the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, highlighted the impact of fast internet access on sedentary behaviour and eating habits, which in turn contribute to rising obesity rates.

Obesity is a major global public health problem, linked to a range of risks including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and premature death. In the US, it is estimated that by 2030, 78% of adults will be overweight or obese. Similarly, in Australia, 2022 data show that two-thirds of adults (66%) will be overweight or obese.

Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits are widely considered to be the main causes of rising obesity rates. However, this new study adds another important contributing factor: high-speed internet.

High-speed internet access makes people less physically active.

The study used data from the HILDA (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) survey and the National Broadband Network (NBN) infrastructure project to analyse the impact of high-speed internet rollouts since 2012.

"High-speed internet access makes people less physically active, leading to increased sedentary behaviour," said Dr Klaus Ackermann, lead author of the study.

The analysis found that for every 1% increase in NBN adoption, the average body mass index (BMI) increased by 1.57 kg/m², along with a 6.6% increase in obesity. BMI is a standard measure of body mass index, with a score of 30 or higher considered obese.

Causes and mechanisms of action

High-speed internet use leads to increased time spent online, reduced physical activity and promotes unhealthy habits such as:

• Sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time: Long periods of sitting at a computer or watching online content decrease your metabolic rate.
• Snacking: Internet use is often accompanied by snacking habits, increasing daily calorie intake.
• Reduced outdoor activity: The Internet allows many tasks to be done online, from shopping to communicating, reducing the need for physical activity.

Additionally, easy access to entertainment content such as online gaming or binge-watching further encourages a sedentary lifestyle.

Not just an Australian problem

The impact of high-speed internet on obesity rates is not limited to Australia. A 2024 study in Turkey also found a positive correlation between BMI and excessive internet use in university students. A 2019 review in the US found that heavy internet users were 47% more likely to be overweight or obese than those who used the internet less.

The impact of high-speed internet on obesity rates is not limited to Australia.

Directions for the future

The researchers stressed the need to develop policies to mitigate the negative impacts of high-speed internet. This includes:

• Promote physical activity : Strengthen awareness campaigns on the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Reduce screen time: Promote limiting online time to reduce sedentary behavior.
• Consider environmental factors: Ensure living environments encourage people to participate in outdoor activities.

A warning from the study

'These findings suggest that while high-speed internet has many benefits, we need to be aware of the potential negative health impacts,' said Dr Ackermann .

The study, published in the journal Economics & Human Biology, not only raises awareness of the link between technology and health, but also lays the groundwork for future strategies to manage the impact of technology.

Obesity is a global crisis, and these findings are a reminder that the convenience of technology should not come at the expense of human health.