Doing one hobby excessively may be linked to increased body weight and negative impacts on diet (Image: Getty)
Researchers have cautioned that devoting excessive time to one particular pastime could be linked to an ‘increase in health risk factors’. The research, conducted by Curtin University, revealed that surpassing 10 hours generally represents the threshold for adverse consequences, affecting dietary habits, sleep patterns, and body mass.
During the study, academics questioned 317 students across five Australian universities, with a median age of 20 years. The participants were subsequently categorised into three cohorts according to their reported gaming duration: ‘low gamers’ (zero to five hours weekly), ‘moderate gamers’ (five to 10 hours), and ‘high gamers’ (exceeding 10 hours weekly).
Whilst evaluations indicated that low and moderate gamers demonstrated ‘similar health outcomes’, findings varied considerably for the ‘high gamers’. Researchers found that diet quality deteriorated markedly when gaming sessions surpassed 10 hours per week, with this cohort also displaying elevated rates of obesity.
In light of this, Professor Mario Siervo of the Curtin School of Population Health suggests that excessive gaming may be a key issue. « What stood out was students gaming up to 10 hours a week all looked very similar in terms of diet, sleep and body weight, » Professor Siervo said.
« The real differences emerged in those gaming more than 10 hours a week, who showed clear divergence from the rest of the sample. » Overall, high gamers had a median body mass index (BMI) of 26.3kg/m2, whereas low and moderate gamers had median BMIS of 22.2kg/m2 and 22.8kg/m2, respectively.
All groups reported generally poor sleep quality, but moderate and high gamers experienced worse sleep than low gamers. Consequently, increased gaming hours were significantly associated with greater sleep disruption.
Moderate and high gamers experienced more significant worsened sleep quality (Image: Getty)
« Each additional hour of gaming per week was linked to a decline in diet quality, even after accounting for stress, physical activity and other lifestyle factors, » Professor Siervo continued.
He then added: « This study doesn’t prove gaming causes these issues, but it shows a clear pattern that excessive gaming may be linked to an increase in health risk factors.
« Our data suggests low and moderate gaming is generally fine, but excessive gaming may crowd out healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, sleeping properly and staying active.
« Because university habits often follow people into adulthood, healthier routines such as taking breaks from gaming, avoiding playing games late at night and choosing healthier snacks may help improve their overall wellbeing. »
What is body mass index (BMI)?
Body mass index (BMI) remains the most widely used indicator of a ‘healthy’ body weight. It typically provides a figure derived from your height and weight measurements.
Whilst it serves as a useful initial reference point for assessing your health, it does have certain drawbacks. For example, as NHS Inform highlights, it frequently fails to take into account the following factors:
- High muscle mass (like athletes)
- Bone density
- Age
- Sex
- Ethnicity
- Fluid retention
- Loss of a limb
To calculate your BMI, you can use the calculator available on the NHS website here. It’s unsuitable for anyone under 18 years old, pregnant individuals, those diagnosed with an eating disorder, or others with a condition that affects height.
Official NHS guidance adds: « A higher BMI increases the chance of developing long-term conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The BMI calculation is just one measure of health. It cannot tell the difference between muscle and fat.
« For example, if you have a lot of muscle, you may be classed as overweight or obese despite having low body fat. This is why you may get a better idea of your overall health from measuring your waist. »
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