The ubiquity of smartphones and ubiquitous high-speed internet access have made mobile gaming a dominant leisure activity among college students. While gaming serves as a venue for entertainment and stress relief, excessive engagement can develop into behavioral obsession, compromising academic performance and holistic well-being. This study investigates the impact of gaming app obsession on academic performance, examining the mediating roles of physical and mental health. Primary data were gathered from 200 college students across Thrissur district using a purposive sampling strategy and a structured five-point Likert scale instrument. The data were evaluated through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Rigorous reliability and validity assessments verified the structural soundness of the measurement model. The findings indicate that mobile gaming obsession severely hampers concentration, classroom participation, and overall academic achievement. Respondents reported notable physical ailments—specifically eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns—alongside psychological distress, including elevated stress, anxiety, and mood volatility. The empirical findings confirm that mobile gaming obsession exerts both direct and indirect negative influences on academic outcomes via compromised physical and mental health. Consequently, the study highlights the urgent necessity for educational institutions and families to promote balanced digital habits and responsible gaming practices.