Summary
A study by Curtin University researchers found that playing video games for more than 10 hours a week can negatively affect young people's diet, sleep, and weight. The research showed that while moderate gaming is mostly harmless, excessive gaming may lead to poorer health outcomes, such as a higher body mass index and worse sleep quality.
Key Facts
- Researchers surveyed 317 students from five Australian universities.
- Students were grouped into low, moderate, and high gamers based on weekly gaming hours.
- High gamers, those playing more than 10 hours a week, had worse health outcomes.
- High gamers showed higher body mass index (BMI) levels, crossing into overweight.
- Each extra hour of gaming was linked to poorer diet quality.
- Longer gaming hours were associated with poorer sleep, especially when gaming late.
- The study did not prove cause and effect but noted concerning patterns.
- Researchers suggest that excessive gaming might replace healthy habits.
