Is Startup Technology Making Us Fat?

There’s no denying it—sitting at a computer whilst mindlessly snacking on office snacks leads to a pudgy waistline.  The same goes for sitting around at home and discovering apps on our smartphones...or blowing through 12 episodes of Mad Men in one day thanks to our DVR machines...

Is it true?  Is one of my biggest passions, startup technologies, actually making America fat?  

Thanks to the folks at the economic think tank known was The Milken Institute, there is now data to backup we’ve been trying to ignore. According to its extensive study, a country the size of America will add 4.2 million obese people for every 10% of growth in Information and Communication Technology. As summed in the report, “The main culprit is a knowledge-based society. More processed foods, a greater amount of screen time; decreased energy expenditure and a higher consumption of high calorie/high fat snack foods have all played a role.”

Don’t feel bad, America. We’re not the only ones who have let our waistlines expand right under (and past) our noses. All over the world, obesity rates have increased. China’s obesity rate has more than doubled from 2.5 to 5.7, in the past 6 years. India’s has almost tripled in a decade, 0.7 to 1.9. But in true American fashion, we are the undisputed champions, with 33.8% of our population being obese.

% of Obese Among Adults 

Source: OECD Health Data 2011

The toll on the economy and human life are out of this world. 2.8 million adults die a year from obesity and its related diseases. Obesity has accounted for $147 billion in medical costs.  To put that into perspective, that’s 10% of total spending.

The impact of advancing technology, on the other hand, is an average effect. The slim citizens of France are only mildly affected due to the fact they eat much smaller portions (albeit the amount of fats they consume is proportionally greater).

In the last decade and a half, calorie consumption has increased by 150-250 calories a day. As a control, Milken scientists have tested for calories, exercise and type of consumption (alcohol, fat content, fruits and veggies).  Milken approximates a 1.4% increase in obesity for every 10% increase in the amount invested in Information and Communication Technology.

But, as you all know, this isn’t the end of the world!!  Exercise as easy as walking can make a big difference in reducing obesity. This data shouldn’t be something to damn us to continue on with unhealthy lifestyles. If anything, this should be an eye opener. If you’re an entrepreneur like myself, this data should motivate you to be even more active. Encourage yourself and your team to take breaks from the office and go for a walk or run. Use exercise as a brainstorming activity. Bring in a exercise professional to teach yoga to your startup (that’s a great mind cleanser!). Use a service I’ve talked about before like peerFIT or HitchFit—it doesn’t matter what you do, just be active!

What I’ve stated above is just data—not a law or rule. These obesity statistics, facts and data can be changed...it just takes a lot of time and a lot of effort.  But guess what?  You’re a startup entrepreneur!  If you have the confidence, ability and courage to start your own business, you sure as heck have the capacity to start making people’s lives healthier.  Let’s start today!