Playing Video Games May lead to Obesity

Posted on November 8, 2008 in Latest News

Video games offer loads of entertainment and excitement to kids. However, video games may replace physical activity and social interaction. This may result in obesity. According to a research by Buffalo University, limiting the video game time among kids showed a decrease in their Body Mass Index (BMI).

How do Video Games Lead to Obesity?
Here are few reasons video games may lead to obesity:

• Video games promote inactivity: Playing video games usually does not involve any physical activity. While playing video games, children for the most part yell or use their hands. Hence, inactivity while playing video games can result in obesity
• Video games involve unhealthy eating: Most kids while playing video games go for quick high-calorie snacks, junk food. These foods add up the calories and may lead to obesity
• Video games may replace outdoor games: Kids may prefer video games which has lots of action, graphic content to outdoor games which promote healthy physical activity. Also, kids can play video games for hours together leaving no time for any other activity

A study which observed about 872 children in Switzerland has reported that playing video games or watching television may double the risk of obesity. Hence, parents should limit the video game playing time for their children and encourage physical activity

McDonald’s Boss Blames Video Games for Obesity problem:
McDonald’s chief execute, Steve Easterbrook, while admitting that restaurants have a role to play in obesity, has also blamed video games. According to him, video games reduce the amount of time young people spend time outdoors to burn the calories.

There are new video games available such as Nintendo Wii, Dance Dance revolution, EyeToy which involve physical activity while playing. While these may prove to be beneficial, parents should limit their kids’ video game playing time and encourage outdoor activity to prevent obesity.

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