Dishwashers, microwaves and other labour-saving devices used today means housework is lighter today than in the past but a study claims it’s also making women fat.
Researchers from Manchester University and Royal Holloway, University of London made this discovery.
The researchers found that the average female spends 20% less time on chores than 35 years ago and the researchers believe the drop in the amount of time spent on house work has contributed to the obesity epidemic witnessed today.
The researchers claim that while the advances in technology brings many benefits, substituting strenuous housework for sedentary office work may take its toll on the waistline.
For instance, mopping floors burns off 200 calories an hour which is roughly a bar of chocolate compared to 70 calories burned sitting in front of the computer.
The researchers also believe people exercise less compared to the past with people spending more time watching TV and engaging in less sports.
The researchers suggest looking at food-consumption as the main cause of obesity is wrong as physical activity and calories are also important.
S.O.Z