Video games may be a staple of student life, but new Australian research suggests excessive gaming, rather than gaming itself, could be taking a toll on young adults’ health, with sharp declines in diet quality, sleep, and weight outcomes once play exceeds 10 hours a week.
According to 9News website, a Curtin University, Perth-led study surveyed 317 students across Australian universities, with participants having a median age of 20. Students were categorised as low gamers (zero to five hours a week), moderate gamers (five to 10 hours), or high gamers, who played video games for more than 10 hours each week.
Researchers found that low and moderate gamers showed largely comparable health outcomes, but health indicators deteriorated sharply among students whose gaming time exceeded 10 hours a week.
Professor Mario Siervo, Curtin School of Population Health said the results show excessive gaming is the issue, with students playing up to 10 hours a week showing similar diet, sleep, and weight outcomes.
“The real differences emerged in those gaming more than 10 hours a week, who showed clear divergence from the rest of the sample.”
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The study found diet quality declined and obesity was more common once gaming exceeded 10 hours a week, with each extra hour linked to poorer diets even after accounting for other lifestyle factors, Professor Siervo said.
Sleep quality was poor across the board, but gamers who spent more time gaming, particularly moderate and high gamers, experienced significantly greater sleep disruption than low gamers.Professor Siervo added that the study does not prove cause and effect but shows excessive gaming is linked to higher health risks, while low to moderate play appears largely fine.
He warned heavy gaming may crowd out healthy habits, adding that simple changes such as taking breaks, avoiding late-night play and choosing healthier snacks could improve long-term wellbeing.