A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research finds that people who spend more time on the computer have a higher risk of obesity, even among those exercising “enough” during the week. Three categories of internet time were set: none, low (less than 3 hours per week), and high (more than 3 hours per week). People falling in the highest levels of computer use (more than 3 hours per week) were 1.5x more likely to be overweight and 2.5x more likely to be obese when compared to people who don’t use the computer at all [1].
Advice? Aim for 250.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends people spend 150 minutes per week exercising and 250 minutes per week if they want to lose weight [1].
Really? 3 hours a week is a lot? No wonder I want to lose weight! ;)
And for us dog lovers, some wonderful news!
The average dog owner gets more exercise walking their pets than someone with a gym membership. The average dog owner exercises their pet 2x a day for 24 minutes each time – 5 hours and 38 minutes a week. In addition, the average dog owner takes their pet on three long walks a week, adding on another 2 hours and 33 minutes of activity [2].
Those without dogs spend a mere 80 minutes per week at the gym or heading out for a jog. However, 47% of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely NO exercise [2].
And who’s happier? A whopping 86% of dog owners reported enjoying the time they spend walking their dogs while a mere 16% reported enjoying their time spent at the gym [2].
I almost wish I owned a more athletic breed of dog. Lily is athletic for a bulldog, but that isn't saying much...
And last night (after boot camp, no less!) I met a fellow bloggie for a beer (go check her out, her blog is pretty awesome!). And we have a freakish amount in common...
- both named "Nicole"
- she is from Tulsa, I am living in Tulsa
- both RD's!
- both have important people in our life named "Rob/Robbie"
- both 24
Crazy, huh?! It was great to talk and network with another RD! Thanks for meeting with me, Nicole!! Safe travels back to Cali!
Questions:
Have you ever met a "blog friend" IRL (in real life)? Maybe at FNCE or somewhere similar?
If you are a pet owner, how many times a week would you say you walk your dog?
How many hours a week, realistically, do you spend online blogging/Facebooking/emailing friends, etc. (non-work related, basically)?
I would have to say I spend at least 9 hours a week online/blogging/emailing/Facebooking in a week -- most of which takes place on the weekends. Eek!
And we walk Lily about 5 times a week for 20 minutes a pop...failing on that one, too!
[1]. Main, Emily. Overweight? Blame the Internet. MSNBC. November 29, 2009.
Posts
I saw this article yesterday. The difference with me is that I am standing about 90% of the time I am on my computer! I know it's bad to sit all day, so I put my lap top on my ironing board and type away! I am probably on the computer 60% of my day, as it's a main part of my job.
ReplyDeleteI want to get a dog so bad, but we can't get one until we get a bigger place.
Glad you had fun with Nicole!
I do that, too! I stand at my kitchen bar and type away...I rarely sit, but I do blame that on the dog. I guess she is of health benefits for me!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, I am on the internet for hours a day since I teach for an online university. I hope this study is implying hours spent in addition to the 8-10 hours I am on for work. Sadly, as I work from home, I mix my social media into work. Case in point...I am grading papers now but taking a 15 minute break to read some blogs. As for dog walking, I am so bad. We have a massive field, so I let my dog out and she is free to roam the property. I chase her around sometimes. The streets here are narrow and not the safest for dog walking, but I am sure I should walk her more.
ReplyDeleteOh, so many things to answer here. I spend ALL Day on a computer- at work. ALthough, I should be WORKING the whole time- I take breaks to check blogs, my personal email, etc. Do you really think the study ONLY refers to personal computer time? I sit on my butt for 8-9 hours a day (For work) AND I KNOW, KNOW that has caused a lot of my weight gain. At my old work, I took the stairs all the time, I was always moving around, going to meetings, etc. even though I did the same job- it was a bigger company. I also used to WALK from my house to the public transporation..and walk everywhere. NOW, I jump in my car for everything. I park RIGHT in front of my work. THere is NO Exercise to get to or from work! I do not walk my DOG at ALL during the weeks anymore becuause it gets dark now before I even get home from work. I do not go out in the dark (I Would if I still lived in the city though).
ReplyDeleteI do go to the gym 4-5 days a week. And walk the dog outside on the weekends.
As a stay at home mommy, the blogs are an outlet for adult "interaction" so I get quite a bit of time in on the computer. I would say 2 hours/day. EEP! But since I am not working a typical job, I still consistently exercise plenty (plus walks with the dog almost daily ;)) so I hope I'm okay. Ha. Anything to justify computer time, right? LOL
ReplyDeleteAnd I actually have met quite a few online friends. One of which I grew super close to over a few years and she came with her hubby and baby this past Labor Day weekend to stay at our house for 4 days! Crazy! LOL
I probably am online for at least 1 1/2 hours after work blogging/reading blogs/catching up on emails...
ReplyDeleteWay too much time! I need to set a timer to help me stop! Great post!
So awesome meeting you last night as well, Nicole! Thanks for the mention in the blog! Also, I found a healthier holiday cookie you might be interested in for work: http://skinnychef.com/blog/chocolate-chip-cookie-bars Happy holiday baking!
ReplyDeleteUgh, I'd definitely be in the high category. I spend way too much time on the computer.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you met a fellow blogger! I would love to be able to do this! I have yet to meet someone near me, which is surprising because I'm currently located in the big city of Philadelphia.
I saw this article the other day. Unfortunately with my job, I am on my computer any time I am not seeing patients, which can be upwards to 5 or more hours.
ReplyDeleteNow that I have started blogging, that would add extra time onto it. I try not to be on the computer at home if I can help it.
My friend is actually a blogger also so it is nice to have someone to ask questions to and tips since I have just started blogging back in October.
Wow this article is interesting! I don't use the computer much during the day at my job but definitely use it as a big form of communication since I live so far from family and friends. We don't watch any TV though (don't even have channels) which I think adds a lot to our happiness and quality time! :)
ReplyDeletewow an interesting article!! aww im so jelous about the bloggie meet up! yall sound like twins!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is frightening, I am always online. So is my entire college.
ReplyDeleteIn my nutrition class last week we were talking about how the #1 predictor of childhood obesity (even more than parental obesity) is number of hours of TV watched, and I was thinking "oh man, my future kids are never watching TV!". But clearly I need to crack down on my OWN behavior!
Interesting doggie fact. And it makes so much sense now that I think about it.
ReplyDeleteThere's an old woman 'round here that power walks her dog everyday. But oh, I haven't seen her lately. :~(
Great post! I read this article the other day too ... thinking oh no ... I need to step away from the computer! I must take walking breaks or I start to lose it ... And, I have yet to meet another blogger friend. Hopefully, one day soon!
ReplyDeleteI walk my dog so much less in the winter time, it's awful!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to meet up with someone you have so much in common with!
I've had a meet-up pot luck last August - it was so funny everyone whipping out their cameras!
Looks like I have GOT to get a new job!! Hahaha DARN desk jobs!! I find myself confined to a chair (and the internet) for more than 9 hours a day …no wonder my butt is expanding. I realized that even though I studied so much in college, I had the freedom to walk where I wanted for a break, go home, go to the library. Time for a new job!!! Ahhhh
ReplyDeleteI love the post on the pumpkin pancakes!! I have never learned the trick to get them fluffy and not too dense, but yours looks so perfect! Thank you for sharing the recipe!!! I’m SO glad you won the peanut butter because maybe now there’ll be peanut butter pancake recipes? Hahahah Hope you’re having a wonderful day Nicole!!
Looks like I have GOT to get a new job!! Hahaha DARN desk jobs!! I find myself confined to a chair (and the internet) for more than 9 hours a day …no wonder my butt is expanding. I realized that even though I studied so much in college, I had the freedom to walk where I wanted for a break, go home, go to the library. Time for a new job!!! Ahhhh
ReplyDeleteI love the post on the pumpkin pancakes!! I have never learned the trick to get them fluffy and not too dense, but yours looks so perfect! Thank you for sharing the recipe!!! I’m SO glad you won the peanut butter because maybe now there’ll be peanut butter pancake recipes? Hahahah Hope you’re having a wonderful day Nicole!!