At a Glance
- Gaming over 10 hours a week correlates with poorer diet, higher body mass, and worse sleep.
- A study of 300 Australian university students found high gamers had a median BMI of 26.3 versus 22.2–22.8 for lower categories.
- Excessive gaming may displace healthy habits like balanced eating, regular sleep, and physical activity.
- Why it matters: Students and parents now have evidence that the amount of time spent gaming can affect long-term wellbeing.
The latest research published in Nutrition shows a clear pattern: students who game more than 10 hours each week exhibit lower diet quality, higher body mass, and poorer sleep compared to those who game fewer hours. The study, led by Mario Siervo of the Curtin School of Population Health, surveyed over 300 university students across Australia.
Study Overview
The research was conducted earlier this month and focused on self-reported gaming habits. Students were divided into three groups:
- Low gamers: 0-5 hours per week.
- Moderate gamers: 5-10 hours per week.
- High gamers: more than 10 hours per week.
Siervo emphasized that the main difference emerged in the high-gaming group. “What stood out was students gaming up to 10 hours a week all looked very similar in terms of diet, sleep and body weight,” he said in a Curtin University statement. “The real differences emerged in those gaming more than 10 hours a week, who showed clear divergence from the rest of the sample.”
Methodology
The study relied on participants’ self-reporting of weekly gaming time. The researchers then assessed three health outcomes:
- Diet quality – measured through a standard questionnaire.
- Body mass index (BMI) – calculated from self-reported height and weight.
- Sleep quality – evaluated using a validated sleep-disruption scale.
The sample included a diverse mix of university students, ensuring the findings are representative of the broader student population.
Key Findings
- Diet Quality: High gamers had noticeably lower diet quality scores than low and moderate gamers.
- Body Mass Index: The median BMI for high gamers was 26.3, compared with 22.2 for low gamers and 22.8 for moderate gamers.
- Sleep Quality: All groups reported poor sleep overall, but moderate and high gamers had lower sleep scores than low gamers.
Siervo explained, “Each additional hour of gaming per week was linked to a decline in diet quality, even after accounting for stress, physical activity and other lifestyle factors.”
Health Risk Summary
| Category | Hours per week | Median BMI | Diet Quality | Sleep Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 0-5 | 22.2 | Highest | Highest |
| Moderate | 5-10 | 22.8 | Mid | Mid |
| High | >10 | 26.3 | Lowest | Lowest |
The table illustrates how the health indicators deteriorate as gaming time increases.
Implications for Students and Parents
Siervo clarified that the study does not prove causation, but it does highlight a strong association. “This study doesn’t prove gaming causes these issues, but it shows a clear pattern that excessive gaming may be linked to an increase in health risk factors,” he said.
He added that university habits often follow people into adulthood. “Because university habits often follow people into adulthood, healthier routines such as taking breaks from gaming, avoiding playing games late at night and choosing healthier snacks may help improve their overall wellbeing,” Siervo noted.
These findings suggest that moderation is key. Students who keep gaming under 10 hours per week appear to maintain healthier lifestyles compared to those who exceed that threshold.
Practical Recommendations
- Set Time Limits: Aim to stay below 10 hours of gaming each week.
- Schedule Breaks: Take short breaks every 45-60 minutes to avoid prolonged sitting.
- Prioritize Sleep: Avoid late-night gaming sessions to improve sleep quality.
- Choose Healthy Snacks: Opt for nutrient-dense foods rather than processed snacks while gaming.
Adopting these habits can help mitigate the negative health impacts identified in the study.
Key Takeaways
- Gaming over 10 hours a week is linked to higher BMI, poorer diet, and worse sleep.
- High gamers have a median BMI of 26.3, compared to 22.2–22.8 for lower groups.
- The association remains even after controlling for stress and physical activity.
- Moderation and healthy routines can reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes.
Parents and students should use this evidence to guide gaming habits and promote balanced lifestyles.
About the Research
The study was published in Nutrition and conducted by researchers from the Curtin School of Population Health. It adds to the growing body of literature that examines how screen time and gaming habits intersect with physical and mental health.
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