Abstract

Overview

This article explores the impact of mobile phone usage versus physical activity on various health parameters, including glycemic status, body composition, and lifestyle among male Saudi Arabian mobile phone users.

Background & Objectives

• The study aimed to investigate differences in health outcomes based on varying levels of mobile phone usage and physical activity.

Methods

Conducted at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, this research included 203 non-smoking male participants, segmented into groups based on their daily mobile phone usage and physical activity levels.

Findings

• Analysis showed no significant impact of mobile phone usage on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and overall body composition.
• Physical activity differences revealed significant variations in body mass index (BMI) and body fat distribution.
• An insignificant decrease in emotional well-being and social functioning was observed with increased mobile phone usage.

Conclusion

Mobile phone usage, surprisingly, shows no effects on HbA1c and body composition parameters. However, there is a mild, yet insignificant impact on lifestyle parameters such as emotional well-being and social engagement, suggesting a cautious approach to mobile usage.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Highlighting the absence of significant health impacts from mobile phone usage on metabolic markers but pinpointing slight impacts on social and emotional parameters. It advocates for extended research and greater public awareness, especially among teenagers, to mitigate any potential negative consequences of prolonged mobile phone usage.