Researchers found a tipping point for video gaming and health

"Spending more than 10 hours a week playing video games may begin to affect young people's eating habits, sleep quality, and body weight, according to new research led by Curtin University and published in Nutrition. The study surveyed 317 students from five universities across Australia. Participants had a median age of 20 years, placing the focus squarely on young adults during a key stage of habit formation."

"Comparing Light, Moderate, and Heavy Gamers Researchers grouped students based on how much time they reported spending on video games each week. Those categories included low gamers (0-5 hours per week), moderate gamers (5-10 hours), and high gamers (10+ hours per week). Health patterns were largely similar among students in the low and moderate groups. However, once gaming time went beyond 10 hours per week, clear differences began to emerge, with overall health indicators worsening among heavier gamers."

Spending more than 10 hours a week playing video games may affect eating habits, sleep quality, and body weight among young adults. A survey of 317 students from five Australian universities recorded a median age of 20, a key stage for habit formation. Participants were classified as low (0–5 hours), moderate (5–10 hours), and high (10+ hours) gamers. Health measures were similar for low and moderate gamers. Once gaming exceeded 10 hours weekly, diet quality declined, sleep worsened, and body weight increased. The pattern suggests excessive gaming coincides with displaced healthy habits and that balanced gaming may preserve health.

Read at ScienceDaily