Scientists identified a “dangerous” level of video gaming: more than 10 hours per week harms health

Researchers from Curtin University in Australia found that regular gaming sessions exceeding 10 hours per week significantly worsen diet quality, sleep, and body weight in young people. The results were published in the journal Nutrition.

How the study was conducted

The experiment involved 317 students from five Australian universities, with an average age of 20. Participants were divided into three groups based on how much time they spent gaming:

low gamers: up to 5 hours per week; moderate gamers: from 5 to 10 hours; heavy gamers: more than 10 hours.

The scientists assessed diet quality using a special scale, as well as sleep duration and quality, body mass index (BMI), and levels of physical activity.

What the results showed

Students with low and moderate gaming activity showed almost identical health indicators. Their average BMI ranged from 22.2 to 22.8 kg/m², which is within the normal range.

A very different picture emerged among those who spent more than 10 hours a week playing games. Their average BMI reached 26.3 kg/m², which corresponds to overweight. Their diet quality was significantly worse, and their sleep was shorter and more superficial.

Each additional hour of gaming per week was associated with a decline in diet quality, even if a person remained physically active and did not experience high levels of stress.

Professor Mario Siervo from the School of Population Health at Curtin University explained that the data indicated excessive gaming could displace healthy habits such as proper nutrition, sleep, and physical activity. He emphasized that up to 10 hours of gaming per week was generally safe, and health risks appeared when this threshold was exceeded.

Practical recommendations

To maintain good health, the researchers advised:

taking regular breaks during gaming sessions; avoiding late night gaming that interferes with falling asleep; choosing healthy snacks instead of fast food and sweets while playing. In brief

Scientists from Curtin University concluded that playing video games for more than 10 hours per week worsens diet quality, sleep, and contributes to weight gain in young people. Up to 10 hours per week is considered safe, while exceeding this level leads to noticeable negative effects. Each additional hour is linked to poorer diet quality, regardless of physical activity or stress. The main recommendation is to keep gaming in moderation and take regular breaks.

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