Question

THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ON OBESITY

ABSTRACT

The upgraded technology along with the surplus availability of smart devices and gadgets added with the growing urbanization and increased access to conveniences had encouraged the development of a sedentary way of life. The study discussed the various factors and activities that engaged the present population and the remarkable change in technology usage. This study discussed the increase in the use of technologically advanced devices have had an effect on the obese population. The statistical analysis of the data collected from various sources had shown a dramatic effect that the technology has had on the average adult population and its effect on physical activity-based regular tasks and health. The study is comprehensive systemic research discussing the various aspects of smart gadget usage and home automation which has changed the way of life in terms of physical activities.

Introduction

1. Statement of the Problem

The massive surge in technological advancements along with increased availability and affordability had dramatically changed the lifestyle of the majority. The upgraded technology along with the urbanization and better access to conveniences had encouraged the development of the sedentary way of life. The data collected by surveys conducted by the World Health Organization revealed that more than 600 million individuals from all over the world fall under the obese category and out of this 600 million, 1.6 million were juveniles less than 18 years of age (Carroll 2015). Television, computers, smartphones, digital media, video games are a few examples of technological devices that promote sedentary lifestyles and this was one of the biggest uncertainties behind the rate of increasing obesity epidemic (Yanovski 2018). Recent epidemiology reports suggested that the most vital keystone on which public health is based on is the analysis and study of the health determinants and the distribution of obesity conditions in a defined population (Kuhle 2015). Designing strategies to control obesity and diseases related to it were also taken up by the government to device vital policies, which might lead to the control of obesity, and thereby decrease the various adverse health outcomes along with it. This automatically helped in checking the rate of mortality and keeping the population stable and healthy.

2. The importance of the study

This study focused on the impact of various technological devices and relate them to the rise of the obesity epidemic. It aimed to highlight how technology affects the trend of physical activities and increased individual’s weight, due to the use of televisions, smartphones and a variety of computer devices. Showing how technology could negatively increase the obesity epidemic in the future has positive public health implications. The research will benefit both teenagers and adults in developed countries struggling with obesity because of their comfortable lifestyle. It helped in promoting awareness as to how the use of technology might cause inconveniences to the health even though it might initially make life convenient. The research had been useful for individuals who were suffering from obesity, and people who intend to control their weight through the use of necessary technological tools.

a. Objectives of the study

The objective of the study was to find out if new technology and innovation created more leisure time by minimizing the efforts of completing daily tasks which promoted for a sedentary lifestyle. The epidemic of obesity increased faster and faster with the innovation of new technologies. The detailed investigation of TV and computer technologies shed light on the risks and reasons for the obesity trend (Kuhle 2015). Finally, the research examined positive technologies to see if innovations might motivate individuals to perform physical activities such as exergames, interactive video games, and smartwatches fitness tracker. These tools had clarified the ways of obesity reduction by presenting the means of reducing weight, promoting psychological preference and adherence to an active lifestyle. The research presented had shed light on the negative aspects of technologies on weight gain amongst individuals. The findings of the research had determined whether contemporary technologies had been a solution to reduce the occurrence of obesity or whether corpulence had kept increasing for the next generations despite the adoption of technology.

b. Statements of Hypothesis

H1: Technologies will cause a decrease in physical activity and a corresponding increase in the occurrence of obesity in the population.

H0: Technologies will cause a decrease in physical activity, but technologies will have no effect on the rate of obesity in a population.

H2: The household tasks of people will be done by technology, which will cause less activeness and more obesity.

H0: The household tasks of people will not be done by technology, which will cause less activeness and more obesity.

H3: The technological usage in a business environment will increase leading to reduced motivation to be active.

H0: The technological usage in a business environment will increase leading to increased motivation to be active.

c. Definition of Terms

Technology- The gadgets or machines that do the physical work either in the business environment or homes (Such as TVs, computers, video games, CAT heavy equipment, and robot vacuum).

The obesity epidemic- The excessive increase in weight worldwide, leading to unhealthy chronic health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Exergaming - Exercise games in which physical activities are included in the game. In order to participate in the game, exergame tracks the movement of the body or measures the reactions of the body with the help of technology.

Home automation: Use of voice-controlled or artificial intelligence controlled home appliances.

3. Review of Related Literature

Literature Review #1: "Obesity: Trends in the underweight and obesity scale of the problem." (Yanovski Jack A.)

Literature Review #2: "Prevalence of obesity among adults and youth: the United States, 2015–2016." (Hales)

Literature Review #3: "Successful childhood obesity management in primary care in Canada: what are the odds?" (Kuhle)

Literature Review #4: "The Relationship between Knowledge and Attitude towards Technology Gadget Usage with Students’ Socio-Emotions Development." (Ashari)

Literature Review #5: "Prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the United States and Canada." (Carroll)

Literature Review #6: "Future directions in physical activity intervention research: expanding our focus to sedentary behaviors, technology, and dissemination." (Lewis)

Literature Review #7: "Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness." (Chang)

Literature Review #8:” Effect of a sedentary lifestyle” (Mallidi)

4. Significance of the study

The significance of this study was to analyze a variety of data from the literature available in generating a pattern on the ways advancement in technology had impacted the obesity epidemic along with promoting awareness so as to check the usage of the technology and gain insights in ways to improve the physical activities in people’s lifestyle.

Discussion

Design of Study

a. Description of Research Design and Procedures Used

The research was designed to highlight the various age groups with the growing use of various smart gadgets along with their knowledge and attitude towards. The research also investigates the trends of usage of different platforms, interfaces and app-based modules and the amount of time spent on them by different age groups.

b. Sources of Data

System generated secondary data was collected from various literature and review articles and used to analyze the pattern between the growth of technologically advanced gadgets and growth in the obesity epidemic.

c. Sampling procedure and method of data collection

This study was done based on systemic secondary data. The generic data collected from several research articles and review papers were collected and the data were analyzed graphically.

d. Data collected

According to the survey conducted by the governmental organization named General Statistical Society, Canada's ownership of smartphones was more or less ubiquitous. Overall 88% of the Canadian population owns smartphones and the survey conducted by the National center of communication Canada has revealed that 87% of all homes in Canada have internet access. Data revealed that 94 % of individuals falling in the age group 15 to 34 years informed owning a smartphone, whereas 69 % of individuals of 55 to 64 years of age reported owning a smartphone along with 18 % of individuals of 75 years of age or older.

Then data from OECD Health Statistics and NCHS Data Briefs by Carroll and Hales were collected to study and examine the rise in obesity in Canada and research this trend in the background of the rising use of smart technologically advanced devices.

To investigate the time spent on different smart devices, data was collected from a survey analysis done by PCmag and graphically represented to elucidate the amount of time spent using the various smart devices.

Data were collected to investigate the activities and the variety of applications that mainly grabbed the attention of the users on smartphones. The data was collected from Catalyst, Canadian Communication Company. Finally, data were collected to check the usage of various smart home products, which promotes home automation with artificial intelligence controlled devices, another growing trend with the massive advancement of technology.

This a brief of the final report

Can anyone help me to get slides (powerpoint) on this report?

Answer 1