Agencies

Video games often stand in the way of exercise and healthy eating among male college students according to a a new study shows.

"It's important to understand that video games are a risk factor for poor lifestyle habits that may contribute to poor health," said a researcher , a graduate who is from the University of New Hampshire.

"We know that habits developed in adolescence and early adulthood can stick with people for the rest of their lives, so if we can encourage video game users to eat healthier and exercise more, we could help them live healthier without completely giving up video games," he noted.

Participants reported how much time they spent playing video games and what they ate. Physical activity was recorded with a pedometer.

More than 40% of the men played video games for least five hours a week, the findings showed. Those who played video games ate more saturated fat and sodium than non-players, suggesting they are eating more salty snacks.

Players also ate fewer fruits and vegetables and were less physically active than non-players, the researchers found.

Although no differences were seen in weight between players and non-players, poor eating and exercise habits might lead to excess weight gain and chronic disease later in life, the investigators noted.