Weight gain can happen when you’re not aware of the hidden factors that contribute to it. While we can point to obvious culprits like poor diet and lack of exercise, there are other less-known things that can make us pack on the pounds.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some devices that can cause weight gain without your knowledge.
1. Smartphones and Tablets
When we’re on our smartphones or tablets, we’re less likely to be active. Plus, looking at screens for long periods can disrupt our sleep and affect our metabolism.
2. Television
Binge-watching TV shows can lead to overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods. Plus, sitting for long periods contributes to a sedentary lifestyle.
3. Gaming Consoles
Playing video games for extended periods can lead to overeating and lack of physical activity.
4. Computers
Like smartphones and tablets, prolonged computer use can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and disrupt our sleep.
5. DVRs
DVRs allow us to record our favorite shows and watch them at our convenience. However, this convenience can lead to binge-watching and overeating.
6. Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home may encourage us to be more sedentary, as we can use them to order food and other essentials without ever leaving our couch.
7. Smartwatches
While smartwatches can help us keep track of our physical activity and encourage us to move more, they can also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle if we become too reliant on them and forget to engage in physical activity on our own.
8. Fitness Trackers
Like smartwatches, fitness trackers can help us stay accountable for our physical activity. However, they may also make us feel like we’ve done enough for the day even if we haven’t been as active as we should be.
9. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow us to control the temperature of our homes without getting up. This convenience, while helpful, can also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle.
10. Smart Lighting
Like smart thermostats, smart lighting allows us to control the lights in our home without leaving our seat. This convenience can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
11. Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes make brushing our teeth easier and more efficient. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while brushing with a manual toothbrush.
12. Electric Shavers
Electric shavers make shaving quicker and easier. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while shaving with a manual razor.
13. Automatic Cars
Automatic cars take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while driving a manual car. Additionally, they can make us less likely to walk or bike to our destination.
14. Escalators and Elevators
Escalators and elevators take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while climbing stairs. This convenience can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
15. Massage Chairs
Massage chairs can be relaxing, but they also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle.
16. Lawn Mowers
While lawn mowers make yard work easier, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while mowing with a manual lawn mower.
17. Snow Blowers
Snow blowers take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while shoveling snow. This convenience can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
18. Self-Checkout Kiosks
Self-checkout kiosks take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while shopping and carrying our items to the register.
19. Online Shopping
Online shopping takes away some of the physical activity we would normally use while walking around and shopping in stores.
20. Food Delivery Services
Food delivery services take away the physical activity we would normally use to prepare our own meals and go out to pick up food.
21. Dishwashers
Dishwashers make cleaning dishes easier, but they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while washing dishes by hand.
22. Microwaves
Microwaves make heating up food quicker and easier. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while cooking on the stove.
23. Bread Machines
Bread machines make baking bread easier and more convenient. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while kneading and baking bread by hand.
24. Rice Cookers
Rice cookers make cooking rice easier and more convenient. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while cooking rice on the stove.
25. Blenders
Blenders make making smoothies and other blended drinks easier and more efficient. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while chopping and blending ingredients by hand.
26. Food Processors
Food processors make food prep easier and more efficient. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while chopping and prepping ingredients by hand.
27. Soda Makers
Soda makers make creating carbonated drinks at home easier and more efficient. However, they can also lead to overconsumption of sugary drinks.
28. Coffee Makers
Coffee makers make brewing coffee at home easier and more efficient. However, they can also lead to overconsumption of coffee and added sugar and creamer.
29. Slow Cookers
Slow cookers make preparing meals easier and more efficient. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while chopping and preparing ingredients by hand.
30. Toaster Ovens
Toaster ovens make toasting and broiling food easier and more efficient. However, they also take away some of the physical activity we would normally use while cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Conclusion
While these devices may seem harmless or even beneficial, they can contribute to weight gain when we’re not aware of their impact on our physical activity and eating habits.
It’s important to be mindful of our use of these devices and find ways to incorporate more physical activity into our daily routines.