[Industry news] GTA Launch Could Accidentally Disrupt Men’s Health, Expert Warns

This is a press release posted alongside our usual editorial content.

Millions of gamers are expected to spend hours exploring the latest Grand Theft Auto when it launches, but men’s health experts say the biggest impact may not be on sleep alone.

Clinical Advisor at men’s health platform Feel30, Anneliese Cadena, AGNP-C, says extended gaming sessions often combine several lifestyle factors that are known to impact testosterone production.

While playing video games does not directly lower testosterone, the habits that often accompany marathon gaming sessions can gradually work against hormone health.

The warning comes as interest in testosterone continues to rise across the United States.

According to Google search data analysed by Feel30, searches for “low testosterone” now exceed 1.2 million every month, while searches for “TRT for men” have increased 94% year over year, suggesting more men are actively looking for answers about hormone health.

Anneliese says launch weekends often involve staying awake late into the night, ordering takeaways, drinking energy drinks, skipping workouts and spending prolonged periods indoors.

She said:

“One weekend won’t suddenly cause low testosterone, but many of the behaviors that become normal during a major game release are the same ones we encourage men to avoid if they’re trying to support healthy hormone levels.

Sleep is one of the biggest factors and consistently sacrificing quality sleep can negatively affect testosterone levels over time.

She says there are several lesser-known habits that can also contribute.

Five things gamers often overlook

Sleep

Missing several hours of quality sleep is one of the quickest ways to reduce testosterone production. Testosterone is linked more to healthy sleep and sleep patterns then deep sleep alone,

Sunlight

Many players spend entire weekends indoors. Limited exposure to daylight may contribute to lower vitamin D levels, a nutrient linked with healthy testosterone in men.

Sitting for hours

Remaining sedentary for prolonged periods reduces overall physical activity, which can contribute to weight gain and poorer metabolic health, both associated with lower testosterone.

Ultra-processed snacks

Launch nights often revolve around pizza, crisps, sweets and sugary drinks. While one takeaway isn’t harmful, consistently replacing balanced meals with processed foods may negatively affect overall health in general.

Stress

Competitive online gaming can significantly increase stress and adrenaline. Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that can suppress testosterone production when persistently elevated.

Clinical Advisor at men’s health platform Feel30, Anneliese Cadena, AGNP-C, says the solution is not avoiding gaming.

“Gaming is an enjoyable hobby and a great way to socialise. The goal isn’t to stop playing. It’s simply to remember the basics that support your health.

If you’re planning a long gaming session, take movement breaks, stay hydrated, prioritise sleep when you can and try not to let one weekend become several weeks.”

She adds that men experiencing persistent fatigue, low libido, reduced motivation, difficulty building muscle or other symptoms should seek medical advice rather than assuming testosterone is the cause.