London: Mobile phones are as addictive as smoking and junk food, the only academic study on the issue has found.
The obsession is leading to sleepless nights and health troubles for millions and could soon be a bigger problem than internet addiction, say experts.
Diana James of Queensland University of Technology, who led the new study, said: "Mobile phone addiction is going to surpass internet addiction because at least you can walk away from your computer.
"Our dependency on mobiles means most people are never without them. The fact that handsets are carried around all day and provide instant pleasure means the risk of addiction is on a par with snacking on junk food and even smoking."
The warning comes after figures from Ofcom revealed that Londoners are the most phone-obsessed in the country.
The study, which was conducted among people under 45, analysed the emotional, psychological, financial and social impact of their use of mobiles.
It found some respondents suffered low self-esteem if they were not free to receive calls and text messages.
The attitude of others was "obsessive", with many showing signs of agitation and potential panic when they were parted from their phone, said James.
"Like substance abuse, excessive use of mobile phones can lead to personal problems," James added. Some participants admitted to suffering repetitive strain injury from excessive text messaging.
She added: "It's critical that we can help people realise their level of dependency and, ultimately, help them do something about it. I want to find out how many people are consuming this technology in a healthy manner and for how many others it has become all-consuming."
