The Effect of Technology and Gadgets on Obesity

Seneca College
School of International Business
THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ON OBESITY
Name of the Students
Sultan Binafif – 040285132
Anwar Albaldisi – 049609142
Ranad Ashour - 068047141
Professor Margaret Osborne
Integration Project
BMI802NWW

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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 has
encouraged the development of a sedentary way of life. The study discusses the various
factors and activities that engage the present population and the remarkable change in
technology usage. This study discusses 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 has shown a dramatic effect that the technology has had on the
average adult population and its affect on physical activity based regular tasks and health.
The study is a comprehensive systemic research discussing the various aspects of smart
gadget usage and home automation which has changed the way of life.
BMI802NWW Prof. Margaret Osborne June 18th, 2019

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THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ON OBESITY
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
1. Statement of the Problem...................................................................................................4
2. The importance of the study...............................................................................................5
a. Objectives of the study...................................................................................................5
b. Statements of Hypothesis...............................................................................................6
c. Definition of Terms........................................................................................................6
3. Review of Related Literature.............................................................................................7
4. Significance of the study..................................................................................................12
Discussion................................................................................................................................12
Design of the Study..............................................................................................................12
a. Description of Research Design and Procedures Used................................................12
b. Sources of Data............................................................................................................12
c. Sampling procedure and method of data collection.....................................................12
d. Data collected...............................................................................................................13
Analysis....................................................................................................................................13
Analysis of Data...................................................................................................................13
Tables...............................................................................................................................14
Figures..............................................................................................................................17
Statistical Results.............................................................................................................20
Summary and Conclusions.......................................................................................................22
a. Major Findings and Conclusions......................................................................................23
b. Limitations.......................................................................................................................24
c. Recommendations for Further Investigation....................................................................25
Works cited..............................................................................................................................26
Appendices...............................................................................................................................28
BMI802NWW Prof. Margaret Osborne June 18th, 2019

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THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ON OBESITY
Introduction
1. Statement of the Problem
The massive surge in technological advancements, along with increased availability
and affordability, has dramatically changed the lifestyle of the majority. The upgraded
technology along with the urbanization and better access to conveniences has encouraged the
development of sedentary way of life. The data collected by surveys conducted by the World
Health Organization revealed that more that 600 million individuals from all over the world
fall under the obese category and out of this 600 million, 1.6 million are juveniles less than
18 years of age (Carroll). Television, computers, smart phones, digital media, video games
are a few examples of technological devices that promote sedentary lifestyles and this is one
of the biggest uncertainties behind the rate of increasing obesity epidemic (Yanovski). Recent
epidemiology reports suggest 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). Designing strategies to control obesity and diseases related
to it are also taken up by the government to device vital policies, which might leads to the
control of obesity, and thereby decrease the various adverse health outcomes along with it.
This automatically helps in checking the rate of mortality and keeping the population stable
and healthy.
2. The importance of the study
This study will focus on the impact of various technological devices and relate it with
the rise of the obesity epidemic. It will aim to highlight how technology affects the trend of
physical activities and increases individual’s weight, due to the use of televisions, smart
phones and a variety of computer devices. Showing how technology can negatively increase
BMI802NWW Prof. Margaret Osborne June 18th, 2019

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THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ON OBESITY
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 will help 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 will be useful for individuals who are suffering from obesity, and
people who intend to control their weight by the use of necessary technological tools.
a. Objectives of the study
The objective of the study is to find out if new technology and innovation will create
more leisure time by minimizing the efforts of completing daily tasks which promotes for a
sedentary lifestyle. The epidemic of obesity will increase 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). Finally, the research will examine
positive technologies to see if innovations might motivate the individuals to perform physical
activities such as exergames, interactive video games, and smart watches fitness tracker.
These tools have clarified the ways of obesity reduction by presenting the means of reducing
weight, promoting psychological preference and the adherence to an active lifestyle. The
research presented will shed light on the negative aspects of technologies on weight gain
amongst individuals. The findings of the research will determine whether contemporary
technologies could be a solution to reduce the occurrence of obesity or whether corpulence
will keep 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.
BMI802NWW Prof. Margaret Osborne June 18th, 2019

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THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS ON OBESITY
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 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 is 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.
BMI802NWW Prof. Margaret Osborne June 18th, 2019