Comparison of mobile phone usage and physical activity on glycemic status, body composition & lifestyle in male Saudi mobile phone users

Authors: Al-Khlaiwi T, Habib SS, Alshalan M, Al-Qhatani M, Alsowiegh S, Queid S, Alyabis O, Al-Khliwi H

Year: 2022 Sep 15

Category: Physiology

Journal: Heliyon

Institution: King Saud University

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10646

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9489969/

Abstract

Overview

The study sought to investigate the effects of mobile phone usage versus physical activity on various health parameters among male mobile phone users in Saudi Arabia over a one-year period.

Methods

  • Location: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Duration: July 2020 to July 2021.
  • Participants: 203 non-smoker males aged 20-60 years.
  • Data Collection: Information gathered via interviews, participants split into groups based on phone usage and physical activity levels.
  • Metrics Evaluated: Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), and the SF-36 health survey.

Findings

  • Mobile phone usage ranged with 33.5% using less than 2 hours, 22.7% between 2-3 hours, and 43.8% more than 3 hours.
  • No significant impact of phone usage duration on HbA1c and body composition.
  • Physical Activity: Significant changes noted in body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and free fat mass across sedentary, average, and athletic groups.
  • Emotional well-being and social functioning slightly lower in the group using the phones longer than 3 hours, though changes were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Extended mobile phone usage did not significantly impact glycemic control or body composition but did show a trend towards reduced emotional well-being and social functioning. Heightened awareness and further research are recommended, particularly concerning the effects on teenagers and long-duration exposures.

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