Weight of Young Women Affected by Sleep, Alcohol and Internet Usage

We know there is an issue with obesity in this country right now. Here is another study to consider that shows the correlation of activity, caloric intake and sleep patterns on weight.

The Journal of Pediatrics has just published a study involving over 5000 young women aged 14-21 The study followed 5,036 girls and young women for over one year regarding the number of recreational hours per week they spent on the Internet, which ranged from 1 to 5 hours, to 16 or more hours, as well as how long they typically slept each night (anywhere from 5 hours or less, to 9 hours or more) and how much alcohol they usually drank (ranging from none to two or more drinks per week).

In general, it was found as Internet use and inactivity climbed, so did BMI, particularly among girls younger than 18 years old. When it came to sleep, those who slept 5 hours or less tended to gain more weight than those who slept 8 hours. Girls and women who had 2 or more alcoholic drinks per week put on more pounds than those who drank the least.

It was found that those that used the Internet for several hours everyday, got less sleep and did have 2 or more drinks per week did average a 4 pound gain in the year compared with those getting more sleep, not drinking and using the internet less/day. However, the researchers suggested, over time this could translate into significant weight increase if the lifestyle was not changed, ultimately leading to obesity.

So what does this all mean? Clearly, exercise is needed to burn off calories consumed at any age. Increased sleep at any age can improve metabolism. Alcoholic drinks do increase the daily calorie count in which more calories must be burned off to maintain the weight.