Problematic smartphone use linked to eating disorder symptoms, finds study

A growing body of research suggests that excessive smartphone use may be linked to unhealthy eating behaviours and body image issues, particularly among young people.

A systematic review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research by Johanna Keeler of King’s College London analysed 35 studies involving over 52,000 participants and found a consistent association between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and eating disorder-related symptoms.

The review found that higher smartphone usage was linked to increased body dissatisfaction, emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, and even food addiction. Researchers also noted that greater daily screen time was consistently associated with more severe eating disorder psychopathology.

The study highlighted that factors such as anxiety, depression and difficulties in emotional regulation may act as key links between excessive smartphone use and disordered eating patterns.

However, most of the data analysed was based on non-clinical populations and cross-sectional studies, meaning a direct cause-and-effect relationship cannot yet be established.

Researchers said further long-term studies, particularly involving clinical populations, are needed to better understand how smartphone use impacts eating disorder risk and severity.