Comparative analysis of dietary habits and lifestyles between esports players and non-esports players among university students

E-sports has become popular among young people in recent years. The online nature of esports might contribute to differences in the dietary habits and lifestyles of university students who engage in this activity. The study aimed to compare the dietary habits, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sleep duration of esports players (ESp) and non-eSports players (nESp) university students in T & uuml;rkiye. The study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis, and data were collected through an online form. The form consisted of questions on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, food frequency, physical activity, sleep duration and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale. The study included 115 ESp participants (mean age: 205 (sd 15) years) and 110 nESp participants (mean age: 210 (sd 15) years). The ESp group had significantly higher rates of alcohol (452 % v. 155 %) and energy drink (348 % v. 127 %) consumption compared with the nESp group (P < 0001). A significantly higher proportion of ESp skipped breakfast compared with nESp (683 % v. 462 %) (P = 0004). The adherence rates to the Mediterranean diet were comparable between the two groups, with 304 % of ESp and 364 % of nESp adhering to the dietary pattern. Although physical activity, sleep duration and Mediterranean diet adherence were similar between groups, esports players reported higher consumption of alcohol, energy drinks and processed foods, which might increase the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional guidance and health promotion strategies to support healthier lifestyle behaviours among ESp.