Technological progress as the cause of obesity

Technological progress as the cause of obesity

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition that affects the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and it is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, and in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of which over 650 million were obese.

One of the factors that has contributed to the rise of obesity is technological progress, which has changed the way people work, eat, and live. Technological progress has made many aspects of life easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable, but it has also reduced the physical activity levels and increased the energy intake of many people.

On the one hand, technological progress has made paid employment less physically strenuous for many people, especially in developed countries. For example, the use of computers, machines, and automation has reduced the need for manual labor and increased the time spent in sedentary occupations. According to a study by Lakdawalla and Philipson (2002), technological change accounts for about 40 percent of the increase in BMI in the United States between 1980 and 2000. The authors estimate that technological progress reduced the average daily energy expenditure by about 140 calories for men and 124 calories for women over this period.

On the other hand, technological progress has also changed the incentives for the type and amounts of food people eat. For instance, the development of agricultural technology has increased the availability and affordability of food, especially processed and high-calorie foods. The advancement of food technology has also improved the taste, variety, and convenience of food, making it more appealing and accessible to consumers. Moreover, the proliferation of information and communication technology has influenced the eating behaviors and preferences of people through advertising, social media, and online platforms. For example, a study by An et al. (2012) found that spending on information and communication technology was positively correlated with obesity rates across 27 countries.

In conclusion, technological progress has been a double-edged sword for obesity prevention and treatment. While it has brought many benefits to society, it has also created challenges for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to balance the use of technology with adequate physical activity and healthy eating habits.

References:

– An R., Ji M., Zhang S., & Wang J.J. (2012). Impact of information and communication technology on child health. Children’s Health Care 41(2), 113-129.
– Lakdawalla D., & Philipson T. (2002). The growth of obesity and technological change: A theoretical and empirical examination (No. w8946). National Bureau of Economic Research.
– World Health Organization (2020). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight