Mobile and video gaming have become an integral part of many young people’s daily routines. However, an important question remains: how many hours of gaming per week can be considered healthy? A new scientific
study has attempted to provide an answer.
Led by Curtin University in Australia, the research was published in the journal Nutrition. It examined how weekly gaming hours influence young people’s diet, sleep patterns, and body weight.
The study surveyed 317 students from five Australian universities, with an average age of 20. Participants were divided into three groups based on their gaming habits: low gamers (0-5 hours per week), moderate gamers (5-10 hours per week), and high gamers (more than 10 hours per week). This grouping allowed researchers to clearly compare different levels of gaming and their health impacts.
What Happens Up To 10 Hours Of Gaming
According to the findings, students who played games for up to 10 hours per week showed no major negative differences in health. Professor Mario Siervo from the Curtin School of Population Health explained, “Students who played up to 10 hours a week had similar diet, sleep, and body weight.”
Clear changes were observed when gaming time exceeded 10 hours per week. Professor Siervo noted, “Those who played more than 10 hours showed clear differences compared to other students.” This group experienced poorer diet quality, a higher risk of obesity, and increased Body Mass Index (BMI).
The variation in BMI was particularly striking. High gamers recorded an average BMI of 26.3 kg/m², compared to 22.2 kg/m² among low gamers. Moderate gamers had an average BMI of 22.8 kg/m². These figures indicate that gaming for more than 10 hours a week may push BMI beyond the healthy range.
Impact On Diet And Sleep Quality
The study also found that each additional hour spent gaming was linked to a decline in diet quality, even after accounting for stress, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors.
As Professor Siervo stated, “Every extra hour of gaming was linked to a drop in diet quality.”
Sleep quality was generally poor across all groups. However, moderate and high gamers reported more serious sleep issues, including increased sleep disturbances and fatigue, especially among those who spent more time gaming.
What The Study Does And Does Not Prove
The researchers clarified that the study does not directly prove that gaming causes these health problems. However, it does reveal a strong association between excessive gaming and increased health risks.
Professor Siervo emphasised, “This research does not say gaming is the cause, but it clearly shows that excessive gaming can increase health risks.”
The Healthy Gaming Limit
According to the scientists, up to 10 hours of video gaming per week can be considered relatively safe for young people. Exceeding this limit may negatively affect diet, sleep, and body weight.
Ultimately, balance and moderation remain key to maintaining good health.
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