Extensive internet use, alcohol consumption and not enough sleep will significantly increase a young woman’s chances of gaining excess weight.

Researchers surveyed 5,036 girls and women between 14 and 21 about how many hours they spent online, how many alcoholic drinks they consumed each week, and how many hours of sleep they got each night. The BMI of all participants was calculated at the time of the survey and one year later.

Those who slept an average of five hours or less per night or who consumed two or more alcoholic beverages per week gained significantly more weight than those who got eight hours of sleep or who drank fewer alcoholic beverages. There was also a direct correlation between recreational time spent on the Internet and an increase in BMI.

Some thoughts: Excessive internet use leads to a decrease in physical activity and being tired from lack of sleep leads to a lack of exercise. Sleep regulates metabolism and hormone levels. Alcohol contains a significant amount of calories that people tend to overlook.