Is technology responsible for the increasing obesity rates?
I agree that technology is a contributing factor towards increasing obesity rates because, as other forms of passive electronic entertainment gained prominence in our society, so did the rates of obesity increase.
Certainly, while I do not think it would be fair to lay the blame on rising obesity rates solely at the feet of technological development, I do believe it is fair to at least assign it some blame. In past years, many more people had to toil at jobs that required demanding physical labor. Others still had to toil daily simply to survive. Additionally, we encouraged our children to go outside and play, engaging in rigorous physical activity. Technological development has allowed us to work, produce food, and entertain ourselves, with a minimum of physical exertion. I do not believe it a coincidence that obesity rates rise as technological adoption does.
Posted by: MagicalRodrigo30It is increasing obesity
It is because the technology can have the child so addicted that the child does not want to go outside because of a video game or TV show. It can cause them to be obese because all the kid does is just watch TV and when they watch TV they are usually eating junk food or something fatty.
Posted by: AnonymousLook at your parents childhood photos
People from the 1900's like children's parents were very fit as children because of lack of transportation. They had to walk everywhere they wanted to go, thus being more skinny. Your parents had to walk everywhere (school, houses, etc.) and most of them never got a ride anywhere except on vacation or something like that.
Posted by: AnonymousTechnology gives people less incentive to move around, increasing obesity rates.
Technology is partially responsible for the increasing obesity rate. Being able to shop online, socialize online, and play online interactive games without moving a muscle have created a culture of sedentary lifestyles. Video games, for example, allow you to play your favorite sports without actually playing them. It isn't far from the truth when it's said that technology will take over humanity.
Posted by: TawdryAmado76Technology creates a rise in obesity!
Although technology seems to improve intelligence, it is also a poor way of gaining it. Since online games have been active hand-eye coordination has improved, crime rates have gone down, and some statewide math tests have higher scores. But we need to keep an equal balance between time spent online and time being active. We improved in intelligence, but somehow we have lost the common sense to take care of our bodies as well.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe technology is a huge contributing factor in the obesity increase, because it's taking away our need to be active.
Before this technology came along, people were forced to be more active. You had to go out and walk around in order to shop, instead of using the Internet. If you got bored, you had to go out to have fun. Now, you can just play one of the huge number of electronic games, or do a lot on the Internet. People don't have to get up and move as much to get the same jobs done.
Posted by: darcyskaTechnology does indeed take in a big part of the increase of obesity rates.
Think about it. Technology does it all for us! We dont even have to think anymore. It all started with calculators. Yes it does help us alot. But is it actually helping the average human or just making them dumber and fatter? We dont even have to move anymore. With a click of button we already have everything done. Technology can clean our homes cars and let us communicate with others. Is that a good thing? We dont even have to move . And ya we can communicate with people accross the world but what about the people everyday ? we rather text someone or meet them online rather then communicate in person ! We are losing the ability to communicate face to face. Technology is bad bad bad! we have to cut it off before it takes over
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
Before the advent of processed foods, people ate healthy natural foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. Back then, the rate of obesity was low. Currently, most of the processed food is white grain pastas, cream laden sauces, fatty meat products, and foods with high salt, fat, and sugar content. Most processed foods (thanks to modern technology) have high carbohydrates, and lots of artificial ingredients, not to mention, trans-fats that your body can't process or digest. Because of technology, the processed foods are readily available and require very little work to prepare. So, the public has access to too much food with too little nutrients.
Posted by: AnonymousThe increasing use of technology is responsible for increasing obesity rates because people are using more machines to perform labor.
As technology plays an increasingly integral part of human life, it is leading people to rely on technology to perform physical labor, which once accounted for significant calorie expenditure. For example, manual hedge trimmers and saws have been replaced by electric trimmers and gas-powered chainsaws. These technological developments have made human lives easier by not requiring human bodies to expend the energy necessary to complete these tasks. However, the increasing absence of manual labor from daily life is leading to higher obesity rates. This is because it is reducing the amount of calories that people burn regularly.
Posted by: HideousMelvin70Yes, because, when you're bored and have a computer in front of you, then you no longer have to go anywhere, or do anything physical.
A child who was bored with toys inside his home had to go play outside or go to a neighbor's house. A walk to the park or riding your bike was also sufficient. Even a child bored with their books had to go to a friend's house or the library. A bored child in the 1960s then gained the ability to sit in front of a TV for entertainment. But to play, he still had to get up and get a game. A bored child of the 1990s then gained the Internet and video game consoles, with the ability to play games that simulated sports and activities. Technology makes it possible to live out virtual activities beyond real life, making it often desirable to sit still and play.
Posted by: Pir4AndYes, technology does increase child obesity rates.
This has been proven by research of the American Academy of Paediatrics. Kids sit around and play video games all day instead of getting up and being active. Too much video game play also decreases chances of good grades, can cause sleeping problems, kids are more likely to bully or use violent behavior, kids are more likely to eat unhealthy because of lack of care for the real world and their health. There are so many violent games out there that cause kids to accept violence more an maybe even use it for solving problems. Don't get me wrong, I play Minecraft and that's addictive, but it has no real violence. No blood, no gore, etc. Minecraft is mainly building. I have nothing against some computer time, but don't overuse it.
Posted by: AnonymousTechnology is to blame!
In the world today, most things are based off of technology. With having everything at the tip of our fingers, there's no need for us to get up and walk to the phone book to find a number, there's no need for us to walk to the store, we can just jump in our vehicle. With all of this technology, it has allowed for America to become lazy. This lifestyle has taken over people’s lives, and gives them little time to exercise or go outside and do something. Most schools only require one year of gym, why though? Why can’t students be required to take gym every year? We talk about how obesity it becoming such a problem, but no one is doing anything about it. Well, this is an easy way to decrease obesity. Technology has made America lazy in many ways including: we can get tons of entertainment without leaving the couch, we can check in with our loves ones with actually “checking in,”, we can use Facebook or call them, or Skype them, there's no need to actually go see them. Also, we don’t have to go to restaurants anymore, why? They deliver now! Now that’s just lazy. In addition, why actually go to a store to buy things now when they have online shopping? No need to walk around for an hour or two to find the things you need, when you can just sit on a couch and click away. All of these things have made America lazy. Technology is another huge contributing factor to America being lazy. In schools, students use technology to do most things. Write papers, talk to teachers, and do their homework. A way to prevent technology from becoming more of a problem could be by making students hand- write papers, and just stop using technology in schools. Its allowing students and kids to think that you should use technology to do everything, which in turn, makes humans lazy. A writer for Technology Inhibited once said “There’s no question that we've become far more dependent on technology. It makes our lives easier. You could even argue that technology has made us complacent; that we've come to depend on it to solve our problems. But does complacency equal laziness?”. According to the Department of Labor, the average American spends 2.7 hours watching television a day. Technology plays a big part in the rising rates of obesity.
Posted by: AnonymousTechnology Contributes to Obesity
Think for a minute. How much work do you really have to do? Cars drive you to most anywhere you have to go. Meals are instantly finished by pressing buttons on a microwave. People no longer ride bikes, take walks, or do any physically enjoyable. Instead, they would rather watch their favorite TV shows or go on the internet. There is no more need to do physical work unless a person wants to. Only people that want to stay in shape do, otherwise they sit down and do mostly sedentary things. Technology has provided humans an easy passage way for almost everything. If one does not have to do something, why should they. There is probably a gadget out there that will do it for you. Without technology, people would have to do more common things. Walk to places, no matter how far away. Go to a library to find out information. Building projects that would take years to finish. Technology lets people have to much leisure time to watch tv or go on the internet.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, I agree that technology has affected obesity.
Take a group of children and put them in a room for a week with only an XBox and a TV - they're going to play it. If you were to put the same kids in a different room for a week with nothing but the walls, the children would find something else to do in order to keep away boredom. Technology, like video games, are causing young children to become obese. Take the XBox, television, computer, and cell phone away for a couple of days - and children will probably play outside with friends.
Posted by: AnonymousTechnology increases obesity.
Obesity is stacking up because children play 3, maybe 4, hours a day of electronic games and they don't even exercise or work out. They stay in the house staying away from nature. Today we have transportation that is more advanced. You don't see teenagers and adults riding bicycles or walking to school now, they go by bus or car. This technology is causing obesity.
Posted by: dragontwist25Kids are becoming obese due to technology.
I know for a fact that kids are becoming obese due to technology because they spend more time on the video games, or phone etc. They are not making healthy food choices when they are all snacking. They are spending more time on getting the latest games than getting a good exercise and a good healthy meal, and parents don't care because their kids are entertained and its keeping them busy for awhile.
Posted by: AnonymousMany people are becoming more obese because of technology, because common sense tells us so.
Common sense tells most people that technology has made people more obese. No more getting up to change the TV channel, turning the air conditioner or fan off or on, and even getting off their comfy cozy spot to see what the weather is because, now, people have remote controls or remote devices that do these "tasks" for them. Does anyone remember the last time they physically opened their own garage door or washed their own vehicle? Technology is definitely responsible for making people more obese than ever before, especially children and young adults.
Posted by: RacialMorris27'Cause kids don't do stuff anymore
I think it's one of the contributing factors. Other of which is the increase of sugar and fat in food, but I won't get into that. I was with my brother today (he's 8) and I said "lets go outside and color with chalk!" he was so stuck to his computer game he couldn't be bothered. So, I decided it was time for him to have a break, and I made him come outside with me. We had a great time, but even for myself, I am less active now than when I didn't have my laptop, Iphone, ipod, ipad and all that stuff.
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
Before the advent of processed foods, people ate healthy natural foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. Back then, the rate of obesity was low. Currently, most of the processed food is white grain pastas, cream laden sauces, fatty meat products, and foods with high salt, fat, and sugar content. Most processed foods (thanks to modern technology) have high carbohydrates, and lots of artificial ingredients, not to mention, trans-fats that your body can't process or digest. Because of technology, the processed foods are readily available and require very little work to prepare. So, the public has access to too much food with too little nutrients.
Posted by: AnonymousTechnology is to blame
Lack of Exercise is also a major concern generated by Teens excessive use of technological devices.
Recent studies done by University of California San Diego School of Medicine and San Diego State University, have revealed that in recent years the number of overweight adolescents has increased drastically. Their conclusion posted on News Medical revealed that "the lack of physical activity was the most significant obesity risk factor contributing to obesity in 11- to 15-year-olds." Then Ken Germano, president of the American Council on Exercise went on to explain that "Daily activities such as walking to school, physical education classes, after-school activities, chores and general playing have been replaced with a sedentary lifestyle in front of the TV, computer, or video games." This reinforces the point that teens over use of divides and electronics; like TV's, computers and mobile phones are the point to blame for the increasing rates of Obesity in teenagers and children.Posted by: AnonymousYes, I agree, because technology has developed convenient processed foods which are high in fat and sugar.
Before the advent of processed foods, people ate healthy natural foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. Back then, the rate of obesity was low. Currently, most of the processed food is white grain pastas, cream laden sauces, fatty meat products, and foods with high salt, fat, and sugar content. Most processed foods (thanks to modern technology) have high carbohydrates, and lots of artificial ingredients, not to mention, trans-fats that your body can't process or digest. Because of technology, the processed foods are readily available and require very little work to prepare. So, the public has access to too much food with too little nutrients.
Posted by: IothBee
Obesity is a personal choice.
Honestly, you are asking whether technology is to blame for people being fat? Well that's basically saying guns kill people or beer gets people killed in drunk driving accidents. Its not the technology who killed or got the person fat, its the persons fault. I do not see anyone holding a gun to the persons head saying "do not exercise, be lazy and get fat or you will die."
Posted by: AnonymousTechnology can have limitations and can help us at the same time.
People eat a lot of fatty foods and drink a lot of sugary drinks, so technology can also help people lose weight, like a treadmill or a bicycle machine or a computer, so some people can understand how to lose weight in an appropriate way and what type of diet is appropriate for our age and how active we are daily.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, because I believe we are just busier than we used to be, and not able to exercise.
More people work longer hours and travel longer for their jobs. Where I work, most people do not live close to work. So, spending time in their car takes away from time they could be working out. Also, people with children have more things they are responsible for, and the time is just not there to exercise.
Posted by: IncandescentEusebio62Kids are just fat and lazy.
Technology only is an excuse for kids or adults to run to for the reason why they are obese. It is in fact their fault. They can make the decision to go outside or to the gym and exercise, but they consciously decide to be fat and lazy. 52% of you can't accept responsibility for yourselves or others.
Posted by: AnonymousTechnology is not responsible for increasing obesity rates, because over-eating and under-exercising are the actual culprits.
Technology is not responsible for increasing obesity rate. Over-eating and under-exercising are responsible for increasing obesity rates. While it may be more fun for some people to play "World of Warcraft" or watch "Indiana Jones" on their TV, these activities do not cause obesity. Active children and adults who eat a proper diet and lead an active life are not at risk of obesity.
Posted by: jackprague94No, it's how you use it.
It all depends on the person and how he/she uses the technology. If we didn't have technology then how would we have the right medical equipment to save a patient or television if a person watches for one hour and he doesn't eat anything during that time and there is a person that watches for one hour (same as the other) but eats while watching. It's easy to see that person a doesn't become obese but person be may gain a few. It's how the person uses the technology not when he uses it.
Posted by: AnonymousIt can help too!
Although technology had a small part in increasing obesity, it can decrease it! Scientists are inventing things such as pedometers and more! The main reasons are bad food patterns, laziness, physical inactivity, genetic patterns and more! But technology isn't the main reason! I hope I helped, but at the end, this is my opinion. :)
Posted by: BdoorHuman beings, not technology, are responsible for their behavior.
Technology is always meant to be a tool for human productivity, not the replacement for responsible decision making. When it comes to obesity, it's the same. Technology can both help and hinder, but much of the question relies on how "technology" is defined. If you are talking about becoming sedentary, playing computer games or watching TV, then, yes, a role is played. However, it's still the person in question making the decision to not be physically active.
Posted by: MarriedRudyOur genetic makeup also contributes to our weight
Over eating and under execerising arent the only contributing factors, how our genetic code is wired up can heavily contribute to how hungry we get, how active we are and how much energy we burn up through everyday tasks. There are many out there who eat well and exercise a lot but still put on weight where as there are others who do no execrise & play computer games all day and dont add to their weight count.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople are to blame.
Google fitdesk, 'nuff said. Alas that is not enough. Fortunately, there is more! There are entire workstations built around treadmills. I am getting one for christmas to correct the damage technology has done to me- but still pursue it.
The fitdesk I seek is $249 and is a stationary bike with a laptop desk. A stationary bike is a perfect solution for a programmer or gamer or anyone who needs their upper body steady while typing.
Some technology is portable and wearable. I would vote yes if the question were specific to people who are not smart enough to integrate some sort of exercise into their technological workspace. A treadmill might be awkward at the office- but a fitdesk would be perfect. Aside from that, if you cannot manage to workout between sessions, your productivity on a computer and career choice may be the true problem.Posted by: TwistedLocus