Frequent video-game playing in young males is associated with central adiposity and high-sugar, low-fibre dietary consumption

  • Siervo Mario
  • Cameron Hannah
  • Wells C. K. Jonathan
  • Lara Jose
Brief Report
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Abstract

Purpose

Video-game playing is associated with an increased obesity risk. The association of video-game playing with body composition, physical activity and eating behaviour was investigated.

Methods

A total of 45 young males (age range 18–27 years, BMI range 18.5–35.1 kg/m2) were recruited. Measurements of body composition and blood pressure were performed. The EPIC-FFQ questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. A questionnaire battery was administered to assess physical activity, eating behaviour, sleep quality and frequency of video-game playing (hours/week). Subjects were categorised into frequent (>7 h/week) and non-frequent (≤7 h/week) players.

Results

Frequent video-game players had greater waist circumference and fat mass. Video-game playing was significantly associated with high added sugar and low fibre consumption. A higher level of dietary restraint was observed in non-frequent video-game users.

Conclusions

These preliminary results identify frequent video-game playing as an important lifestyle behaviour which may have important implications for understanding obesity risk in young male adults.

Keywords

Video game Nutrition Physical inactivity Sugar Fibre Eating behaviour 
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Notes

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  • Siervo Mario
    • 1
  • Cameron Hannah
    • 1
  • Wells C. K. Jonathan
    • 2
  • Lara Jose
    • 1
  1. 1.Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute for Ageing and HealthNewcastle University, Campus for Ageing and VitalityNewcastle on TyneUK
  2. 2.Childhood Nutrition Research CentreUCL Institute of Child HealthLondonUK

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