10 Ways Your Phone is Making You Fat

In theory, smartphones are some of the most fitness-friendly techs because they’re portable and can be used while walking, running, or working out in theory. In practice, smartphones are probably at least partially responsible for the rise of obesity in the U.S. Studies even show. That phone usage is linked to a lack of cardio-respiratory fitness, i.e., the more you use your phone, the less likely you are to be in shape. Face it. Your smartphone is not a good workout buddy; if anything, it’s an enabler. Here are 10 ways your phone is making you fat.

It Distracts You

Forget distracted walking and distracted eating is the real problem. Science says that people eat more when distracted by technology; the study used TV. Still, I think smartphones are an appropriate substitute. When was the last time you ate food without browsing Twitter feeds on your phone?

You Can Order Food in Seconds

Thanks to your handy smartphone apps like Grubhub, and Postmates. So there’s no reason not to be stuffing your face 24/7.

Or find Nearby Food in Seconds

And suppose you’re the type who would rather walk a few blocks than pay a delivery fee. In that case, your smartphone now tells you how to get to the closest restaurant efficiently.

Or Find Nearly Anything, Really, in Seconds

Maps are pretty much the enemy of your waistline. Before Maps, we would power around neighborhoods, usually lost for hours before reaching our destinations. But now we know exactly how to get to the nearest bank, grocery store, and mall. Or whatever with the fewest steps possible.

You No Longer Need to Visit People

There is no reason to physically get together with your friends. And get excellent, obviously athletic leisure activities on your day off. Sitting on the couch texting your buddies while you browse their Instagram feed is basically the same level of interaction!

It Keeps You Inside

The Pokémon Go phenomenon, and the associated leg pain people are experiencing. A testament to how sedentary our lives have become since the dawn of smartphones.

It Messes with Your Sleep

Science says the blue light from your smartphone screen messes up your sleep schedule. And messed up sleep leads to weight gain because people who are sleep deprived make poor food choices, e.g., all the carbs.

It Fools You Into Thinking 10,000 Steps is Real Exercise

Fitness-focused smartphone accessories like Fitbit are neat, but they’re not exactly a substitute for actual workouts. Yes, walking 10,000 steps will benefit your overall health, especially if you currently walk 6 steps daily. Still, it’s not going to keep you from getting fat.

You Might Work From Home

In theory, your smartphone lets you work from anywhere. You could be working climbing a mountain or working hiking through the woods. Or working training for a marathon. But what you’re really doing is working while you lie in bed and eat cheeseburgers all day long.

It Sabotages Your Workout

You made it to the gym. Now it’s time to pick a workout playlist. But first, we need to connect to the gym’s Wi-Fi. Oooh, let’s download Spotify! Huh, there’s a new episode of MasterChef on Hulu for us to watch?