Dietary Habits and Gaming Behaviors of Portuguese and Brazilian Esports Players

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Ribeiro, F.J. (Author) FCNAUP; Teixeira, R. (Author) Other; Poínhos, Rui (Author) FCNAUP

Journal

Title: Nutrients

Vol. 15 No. 4

Final page: 4200

ISSN: 2072-6643

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Health sciences

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-3GJ

DOI: 10.3390/nu15194200

Abstract (EN): As the esports industry grows, marketing campaigns for fast food, soft drinks, alcoholic and energy drinks, and dietary supplements at related events intensify. Portuguese and Brazilian esports players¿ dietary patterns remain unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the dietary and gaming habits of esports players. We applied an anonymous, open online survey to a convenience sample of esports players that included the PREDIMED and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. The survey was shared through email and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord, WhatsApp, and Twitch. The sample (n = 579) was predominantly male (91.4%), averaged 26.1 (SD = 7.0) years, and 25.9 (SD = 5.5) kg/m2. Most reported a weak (53.7%) adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Almost a third (32.3%) consumed dietary supplements. Our sample presented a low adhesion to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, low consumption of fruit and vegetables, and high consumption of fast food, red and processed meat, soft drinks, and dietary supplements, including caffeine-based supplements. Dietary supplement consumption was related to a higher adhesion to the Mediterranean diet, and a higher level of professionalization and internet gaming disorder correlated with a lower adhesion. In conclusion, we infer that Portuguese and Brazilian esports players follow an unbalanced diet. © 2023 by the authors.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific