Heavy internet use linked to obesity in Hong Kong students
University students who spend hours a day online are more likely to be overweight and to have health problems, according to a Hong Kong survey Thursday. The study by Hong Kong’s Chinese University found that nearly 15 per cent of first year students spend more than four hours a day online.
Among heavy internet users, 8.5 per cent are overweight compared to less than 4 per cent of light internet users, the survey involving interviews with more than 2,000 students found.
More than 10 per cent of heavy internet users admitted skipping meals, compared to less than 2 per cent of light internet users. A significantly higher percentage of heavy internet users admitted oversleeping and missing classes.
The study is believed to be the first of its kind involving university students. Previous studies have shown high levels of internet dependency among primary and secondary school children in the hi-tech city of 7 million.
Category: Health
