Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles this November. It is obvious that the project will attract huge attention, and some avid gamers will "live" by the Rockstar Games title. This can become a problem for men's health.
Anneliese Cadena, a clinical consultant for a "men's health platform," claims that prolonged gaming sessions in GTA VI (and other projects) can undermine testosterone production.
While discussing how GTA VI could negatively impact men's health, Cadena explained:
One weekend alone will not lead to a sharp drop in testosterone, but many habits that become the norm during the release of a major game are exactly what we advise men to avoid if they want to maintain healthy hormone levels.
The expert noted sleep as one of the key factors: "regular deterioration of its quality over time can negatively affect testosterone levels."
According to Cadena, lack of sleep is one of the fastest ways to reduce testosterone production.
In addition, limited exposure to daylight can lead to a decrease in vitamin D levels (which is associated with healthy testosterone levels in men).
Prolonged sitting without movement reduces overall physical activity, which can contribute to weight gain and impaired metabolism — this will also negatively affect testosterone levels.
There is another point related to games. Competitive projects can cause adrenaline surges and stress, which will increase cortisol levels — a hormone that suppresses testosterone production.
Avid gamers should take breaks and move more to avoid harming their men's health.