Association of Video Game Playing and Lifestyle Behaviors in Adults

Abstract

Video games are a pastime increasing in popularity and in time commitment. Although research has examined the association between video games and body mass index (BMI), only limited research has investigated how gaming affects lifestyle behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between video game playing (online [ONG] and offline [OFG]) and lifestyle behaviors using non‐video game players (NVG) as the control group. One hundred and forty‐seven participants, aged 18‐64 (ONG n=70, age= 23±7 y, BMI=26.1±5.7 kg/m²; OFG n=36, age=26±6 y, BMI=26.0±6.9 kg/m²; NVG n=37, age=36±15 y, BMI=25.8±4.6 kg/m²;), were surveyed using an online questionnaire. The ONG reported more time spent playing video games each week compared to the OFG group (ONG =25±15, OFG 14±10, hours per week; p=0.001). Two validated questionnaires (Eating Behavior Pattern Questionnaire [EBPQ], Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire [SBQ]) assessed lifestyle behaviors. Using the EBPQ, the NVG reported more low‐fat eating behaviors than both video game playing groups (p<0.001). No differences were observed between groups for the other eating behavior measures (i.e., emotional eating, haphazard planning). Using the SBQ, the NVG reported more time per week spent watching TV per week than both video game groups (ONG= 8± 10, OFG=10± 9, NVG= 17± 9, hours per week; p<0.001). All three groups were significantly different in hours per week spent playing exclusively computer games (ONG 27±12, OFG=18± 11, NVG=3± 5, hours per week; p<0.001). In this study, video game playing was associated with an eating behavior that may be linked to chronic disease. Furthermore, the different types of gaming (online, offline) was associated with sedentary behaviors. More research is needed to understand how this growing pastime influences overall health.