Curtin University Study on Gaming Health
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jan 14, 2026 · Last updated Jan 17, 2026
The study's findings could influence public health campaigns and potentially impact the video game industry if regulations or recommendations on gaming habits are introduced. It also highlights the importance of health and wellness in the education sector.
A study led by Curtin University and published in Nutrition (journal) found that playing video games for more than 10 hours a week significantly impacts young people's diet, sleep, and body weight. Researchers surveyed 317 students from five Australian universities, categorizing them into low, moderate, and high gamers. While low and moderate gamers showed similar health outcomes, high gamers (10+ hours/week) exhibited poorer diet quality, higher obesity rates (median BMI of 26.3kg/m2), and increased sleep disruption. Professor Mario Siervo from Curtin School of Population Health emphasized that excessive gaming, rather than gaming itself, is the primary concern. The study suggests that excessive gaming may displace healthy habits, and adopting routines like taking breaks, avoiding late-night play, and choosing healthier snacks could improve overall well-being. The findings were reported by China — Xinhua News Agency, Bernama, and Nine News.
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