Nutrition and Dietary Stats: Eating Habits of Indian Gamers and Esports Athletes

The door swings open, and Ajay's bag lands on the couch, its contents scattering across the cushions. He doesn't have a moment to waste, kicking off his shoes with the laces still tied, sending them skidding across the floor. He races down the hallway to his room, breathing in quick, shallow bursts. Only five minutes remain to register for the weekend Valorant tournament. His teammates, already on Discord, are complaining incessantly as Ajay switches on his PC, joining them with seconds to spare. His stomach growls—he's skipped lunch—but he grabs his phone to order food, choosing from a selection of restaurants while adding sodas and energy drinks to fuel the marathon gaming session ahead.

This scene is familiar to many gamers, if not entirely, then certainly in its fragments. The digital revolution in India comprising of the Internet and smartphone boom reshaped entertainment and leisure activities in India, resulting in the growth of the gaming industry while also creating ripples in other sectors particularly FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) and food industries. It provided the impetus for the rise of quick commerce (Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Zepto) and online food delivery platforms (Swiggy, Zomato, EatSure).

These changes have resulted in Indian gamers dealing with significant lifestyle and dietary changes due to increased screen time, reduced physical activity, and the convenience of quick meals right at their fingertips. This shift, driven by the rise of digital entertainment is leading to reduced physical activity and poor nutrition, raising concerns about the long-term health impact on the youth.