Smartphone Location Data Strongly Correlated with Risk of Diet-Related Diseases
A recent study, reported by Interesting Engineering, found that smartphone location data can be a powerful predictor of a user’s risk for diet-related diseases. The study, led by researchers from the University of Southern California (USC), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as Sabancı University in Turkey and LA County Department of Public Health, showed a strong correlation between the consumption of fast food and the number of visits to fast food outlets using smartphone data.
According to USC, the lead scientist, Abigail Horn, explained how the data collected on smartphone users’ visits to fast-food establishments provides valuable insight into the average intake of fast food among urban populations. In addition to assessing fast food intake, the study also found that visits to fast food outlets were a predictor of obesity and diabetes, two common diet-related disorders.
The study concluded that mobility factors, including someone’s daily travel patterns and the location of various points in an individual’s day, impact the risk of diet-related diseases. Furthermore, the research showed that exposure to fast food restaurants throughout the day may serve as cues or triggers for unhealthy behaviors.
This finding challenges traditional health initiatives and interventions, which have not succeeded in reducing the prevalence of diet-related diseases. To accurately determine fast food proximity and intake, researchers utilized a data set compiled by location data businesses, known as “mobility data,” to measure people’s exposure to different culinary settings.
These findings shed light on the significance of smartphone location data in assessing health risks and provide valuable insights for public health monitoring. The study’s comprehensive approach underscores the potential of digital tools in understanding and addressing health challenges.
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