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Mobile Phone Radiation Deflects Brain Energy Homeostasis and Prompts Human Food Ingestion
Ewelina K Wardzinski1, Kamila Jauch-Chara1, Sarah Haars1
1Section of Psychoneurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany.
Nutrients
|January 21, 2022
Summary
Mobile phone radiation (RF-EMFs) significantly increases calorie and carbohydrate intake, potentially contributing to obesity. This study explored the link between radio frequency-modulated electromagnetic fields and appetite regulation in young men.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Biophysics
Background:
- Global rise in obesity and mobile phone usage.
- Mobile phones emit radio frequency-modulated electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) absorbed by the head.
- RF-EMFs affect cerebral glucose metabolism and neuronal excitability, impacting appetite regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mobile phone radiation exposure and food intake.
- To explore the effects of RF-EMFs on cerebral energy homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Single-blind, sham-controlled, randomized crossover study with 15 normal-weight young men.
- 25-minute exposure to RF-EMFs from two mobile phone types versus sham radiation under fasting conditions.
- Assessed spontaneous food intake via ad libitum buffet test and cerebral energy homeostasis using 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Exposure to mobile phone RF-EMFs increased overall caloric intake by 22-27% compared to sham exposure.
- Increased calorie consumption was primarily driven by enhanced carbohydrate intake.
- RF-EMF exposure led to increased cerebral energy content (ATP and phosphocreatine ratios).
Conclusions:
- RF-EMFs may be a contributing factor to overeating and the obesity epidemic.
- RF-EMF-induced alterations in brain energy homeostasis suggest potential generalized neurobiological effects.
- Further research is needed to understand the full implications of electromagnetic field exposure on brain function and metabolism.
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