Smartphones keep many kids from physical activity. Radiation can also promote weight gain

Overweight people account for more than one-third of the population in the United States. At the same time, as they spend every free minute on their smartphones, young people are becoming more obese. According to a new study, there may be a previously overlooked link.

Many studies have been conducted on the consequences of cell phone radiation. It is evident that the skull absorbs a significant amount of electromagnetic radiation, which might impair brain metabolism and functioning.

In observational research, scientists at the University of Lübeck revealed that cell phone radiation causes a 22 to 27 percent increase in overall calorie intake.

The study was published in the journal Nutrients.

The experiment involved 15 young males. Three times each, they came into contact with two separate mobile phones as a radiation source every two weeks. After that, they were given a set amount of time to serve themselves at a buffet.

Hunger for carbohydrates

They also didn’t seem to want to eat healthily: Increased carbohydrate intake was the main reason for the increased calorie intake, according to the later blood analysis. Furthermore, investigations employing phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that under the effect of mobile phone radiation, the energy turnover in the brain increased.

The results, according to the scientists, were surprisingly clear.

“In almost all test subjects, the radiation led to an increase in total calorie intake of 22 percent and 27 percent, respectively, through the respective test mobile phones. The blood analyzes showed that this was mainly caused by increased carbohydrate intake. The MRS measurements showed an increase in energy turnover in the brain under the influence of mobile phone radiation.”

According to the findings, cell phone radiation is not only a potential factor in human overeating, but it also has an effect on the brain’s energy equilibrium.

“These findings could open new avenues for obesity and other neurobiological research. Especially with regard to children and young people, the proven influence of mobile phone radiation on the brain and eating behavior will bring research in this area more into focus in the future.”

Source: 10.3390/nu14020339

Image Credit: Getty

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