E-health - Supporting Esports players towards an active

The expansion of Esports will result in the development of a large part of the population, especially children, adolescents, and young adults, that will spend a lot of their leisure time playing or watching Esports and refraining from physical activity. It is imperative to better understand this phenomenon and prevent the associated negative health hazards before it becomes a problem for European societies. Existing evidence (see Needs analysis section for more detailed information) indicates that Esports players adopt a sedentary lifestyle spending many hours during the day playing Esports. Furthermore non-active video games and increased screen time have been associated with an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) which results in higher levels of obesity and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Also, there is anecdotal evidence indicating that Esports players are sedentary for 4.2 h each day while training, and due to their sedentary lifestyle, there is a high risk of injuries and chronic diseases. The project involves the understanding of physical activity and health-related behaviors of Esports players. It envisages developing awareness-raising material and policy recommendations that will facilitate sports and Esports authorities to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles in a population of young people who are at risk for sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and drug use. To achieve this, the project involves a) a study for the understanding of Esports player's physical activity levels and health behaviors b) development of evidence-based awareness-raising material, such as a code of conduct c) use of new technologies to promote healthy lifestyles in Esports players d) develop a network of sports and Esports organizations and academics with a vested interest in promoting health and physical activity in Esports players. The project envisages creating resources that relevant authorities and practitioners can use to promote a healthy lifestyle to Esports players. that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties. Page 2 of 2