New research from Western Australia has pinpointed a specific weekly threshold for video gaming, beyond which players risk significant harm to their diet, sleep quality, and physical health.
The 10-Hour Weekly Tipping Point
A study conducted by Curtin University, published in the journal Nutrition on Thursday, 15 January 2026, provides clear data on the health impacts of gaming habits. The research, which surveyed over 300 university students with an average age of 20, found that health outcomes deteriorated dramatically once gaming exceeded 10 hours per week.
Participants were grouped into low (0-5 hours weekly), moderate (5-10 hours weekly), and excessive (more than 10 hours weekly) gamers. Both low and moderate gamers reported much better overall health levels, with very similar results between them.
Clear Links to Diet, Weight, and Sleep Disruption
The study revealed distinct negative trends for those in the excessive gaming category. The quality of a gamer's diet declined when they played beyond the 10-hour mark, and these individuals were more likely to be obese compared to the other groups.
On average, excessive gamers had a body mass index (BMI) of 26.3kg/m², which falls outside the healthy range. In contrast, low and moderate gamers maintained an average BMI of 22.8kg/m², aligning closely with the healthy benchmark of 22.2kg/m² noted in the research.
Sleep quality also suffered. Both moderate and high-frequency gamer groups recorded poorer sleep, with a significant link established between increased gaming hours and sleep disruption.
Excessive Gaming Crowds Out Healthy Habits
Lead researcher Professor Mario Siervo from the Curtin School of Population Health emphasised that the issue is not gaming itself, but the volume. "Each additional hour of gaming per week was linked to a decline in diet quality," he stated, even after accounting for factors like stress and physical activity.
"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," Professor Siervo explained.
He highlighted the long-term importance of the findings, noting that habits formed at university often persist into adulthood. The study suggests that healthier routines like taking breaks, avoiding late-night gaming, and choosing nutritious snacks can help mitigate risks.
The research also noted that high-frequency gamers were more likely to be men, reflecting broader gaming engagement trends. With an estimated 92% of Australian households involved in some form of video gaming, and particularly high prevalence among students, these findings are widely relevant.
