New research indicates that excessive video gaming can negatively affect health, particularly among university students. A study published in the journal Nutrition by researchers from Curtin University analyzed the gaming habits of over 300 Australian university students, revealing a concerning link between hours spent gaming and various health metrics.
The study categorized participants into three distinct groups based on their gaming time: low gamers (0–5 hours per week), moderate gamers (5–10 hours), and high gamers (more than 10 hours). The findings show that while low and moderate gamers maintained similar health outcomes in terms of diet, sleep, and body weight, significant declines in health parameters were observed once gaming surpassed the 10-hour threshold.
High-gaming participants exhibited poorer diet quality and higher body mass indexes (BMIs). The median BMI for the high-gaming group was reported at 26.3, which falls into the overweight category, in contrast to the healthier averages of 22.2 and 22.8 among low and moderate gamers, respectively.
According to lead researcher Mario Siervo, each additional hour of gaming per week correlated with a measurable decline in diet quality, even when factors such as stress and exercise were taken into account. This decline in diet quality is particularly alarming given the already challenging lifestyle of university students.
Sleep patterns also suffered significantly among high gamers. While all groups reported poor sleep, the effects were most pronounced in moderate and high gamers. This suggests that students engaging in extensive gaming often sacrificed sleep for additional gaming time.
The researchers emphasize that excessive gaming can lead students to overlook vital aspects of their health, including adequate sleep, physical activity, and balanced nutrition. To mitigate these risks, the study suggests simple strategies such as taking regular breaks and avoiding late-night gaming sessions.
Implementing these straightforward changes could enhance both short-term and long-term health outcomes, allowing students to balance their gaming interests with essential health practices. The results of this study underscore the importance of moderation in gaming, particularly in a population where academic pressures and lifestyle choices are often at odds.
