The evolution of mobile phones has revolutionised communication technology in the modern era. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks posed by the constant exposure to radiation caused by these devices.
A recently published research paper titled "Mobile Phone Radiation Deflects Brain Energy Homeostasis and Prompts Human Food Ingestion,"explores the impact of mobile phone radiation on brain energy homeostasis and human food intake.
Who Performed the Study?
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Lübeck, Germany. The team comprised Elisabeth Wardzinski, Kerstin Jauch-Chara, Stephanie Haars, Uwe H. Melchert, Holger G. Scholand-Engler, and Karsten M. Oltmanns. Their findings were published in the journal "Nutrients" in 2022.
What did the Study Include?
The research was designed to evaluate the impact of mobile phone radiation on brain energy homeostasis and its subsequent effect on food intake. The study involved 16 healthy male volunteers between 19 and 32 years old.
The participants were asked to participate in two sessions, each lasting 225 minutes. During each session, the participants were exposed to either a mobile phone (GSM 900) emitting non-ionising radiation, or a sham exposure.
The study protocol involved measurements of various physiological parameters such as blood glucose, insulin, ghrelin, and hunger ratings.
These parameters were analysed to understand the impact of mobile phone radiation on brain energy homeostasis and food intake.
What Were the Results?
The study's results indicated that exposure to mobile phone radiation significantly increased blood glucose levels compared to sham exposure.
Blood glucose levels increased by 25% within 45 minutes of exposure to mobile phone radiation. This increase in blood glucose levels was accompanied by a significant increase in insulin levels.
The study also revealed a substantial increase in ghrelin levels within 45 minutes of exposure to mobile phone radiation. Ghrelin is a hormone that regulates appetite, and an increase in its levels leads to an increase in hunger ratings.
The study's findings suggest that exposure to mobile phone radiation can disrupt brain energy homeostasis, increasing food intake.
Previous studies have shown that disruption of brain energy homeostasis can lead to various health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
How can Mobile Phones Make you Eat too Much?
The study has highlighted a possible mechanism by which mobile phone radiation can affect food intake and energy balance.
The researchers suggest that the radiation emitted by mobile phones may affect the hypothalamus. This brain region is responsible for regulating energy homeostasis.
The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating food intake and energy expenditure. Any disruption can lead to a number of metabolic disorders.
Therefore, the findings of this study warrant further investigation to better understand the long-term effects of mobile phone radiation on human health.
Summary
In conclusion, the study by Wardzinski et al. emphasises the importance of being aware of the potential health risks posed by mobile phone radiation, especially when attempting to live a healthy lifestyle, free from obesity and chronic illness.
While mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, taking necessary precautions to minimise exposure to radiation is vital. This can include using hands-free options, reducing the duration of calls, and avoiding carrying mobile phones in pockets or close to the body.
Furthermore, this study's findings can help develop guidelines for safe mobile phone usage and mitigate the adverse effects of mobile phone radiation on human health.
The study also indicates the potential importance of researching ways to "filter" electromagnetic fields from mobile phones.
About the Author
Nathan Carter has been a highly qualified health and fitness professional for the past twenty years. Educated at the University of Bath, Nathan has been on a path of professional and personal development ever since, helping thousands of clients to achieve their health and wellness goals. He has hundreds of published articles in both printed and online media.
References
Wardzinski, E.K.; Jauch-Chara, K.; Haars, S.; Melchert, U.H.; Scholand-Engler, H.G.; Oltmanns, K.M. Mobile Phone Radiation Deflects Brain Energy Homeostasis and Prompts Human Food Ingestion. Nutrients 2022, 14, 339. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020339
