Digital Health and Obesity: How Technology Could Be the Culprit and Solution for Obesity

Abstract

Advances in technology over the past century have directly contributed to the growing worldwide obesity epidemic. Streamlined food production, changes in the macronutrient profile of food, and mass marketing of unhealthy food to children have all contributed to an increase in caloric intake. Decreased physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior both stem from industrialization of the workplace. Conversely technology can help integrate proven behavioral modification models into patients lifestyles and provide patients with biometric data previously unavailable. Web based interventions offer patients access to information and counseling on demand. Relatively new and gaining in popularity, wearables offer patients immediate access to vital signs, biometric data, and various other physiologic and social parameters. However popular they may be their efficacy is unproven and remains to be seen. Integrating technological advances and medical care will provide better treatments for obesity in the future.