Doing this activity five hours a day is linked to obesity

Let’s face it - we’re all glued to our mobile phones these days. For most of us they’re where we keep our lives organised and communicate with loved ones.

In the era of smartphones they’re even used for mobile gaming, social media, listening to music, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine where we’d be without one.

But research has suggested that too much time spend on your phone increases the risk of obesity, due to the fact you’re idle when you’re scrolling through your timelines or playing a game.

1060 university students took part in the study, and found out that using their phone for five or more hours a day increased their risk of obesity by as much as 43%.

The comprehensive study followed these students for six months to monitor their progress.

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Out of the group, 26 per cent who were overweight and 4.6 per cent who were obese spent more than five hours on their mobile phone per day. Women in the study were 63.9 per cent likely to be overweight and 57.4 per cent likely to be obese.

On top of this, the group were more likely to indulge in sugary drinks, fast food and snacks, which put them at a greater risk of health conditions such as heart disease.

Leading the study was Mirary Mantilla- Morrón, a Cardiac Pulmonary and Vascular Rehabilitation Specialist.

Speaking about the results, she said: “It is important that the general population know and be aware that, although mobile technology is undoubtedly attractive for its multiple purposes, portability, comfort, access to countless services, information and entertainment sources, it should also be used to improve habits and healthy behaviours.

“Spending too much time in front of the smartphone facilitates sedentary behaviours, reduces the time of physical activity, which increases the risk of premature death, diabetes, heart disease, different types of cancer, osteoarticular discomfort and musculoskeletal symptoms.”

If you need motivation to put down your phone and do exercise that doesn't feel like exercise (yes really!), check out these walking holidays. From the English countryside to hiking in Portugal, we're sure some of these will be perfect for you.

Exercise doesn't have to be boring, so why not get exploring? Let us know if you visit any of the locations!