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Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat. In reference to children, the American Heart Association (AHA) defines obesity as “…a weight that is 20% or more in excess of the expected weight for a given height� (Mann, 2000). According to Denise Mann, “…obese children who remain heavy through adolescence tend to stay that way in adulthood�.
The causes of obesity are complex and include genetic, biological, behavioural and cultural factors. Basically, obesity occurs when a person eats more calories than the body burns up. Research has been conducted to provide evidence that video game culture can influence obesity, especially in children.
The resulting illnesses associated with obesity in adulthood are diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and several cancers. These illnesses now claim an estimated half-million American lives per year, costing $100 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity (Mann).
Research on obesity has indicated that children eat junk foods high in fats, sugars, and carbohydrates while playing video and computer-based games. Combined with a lack of physical activity, this is a contributing factor to the surge in obese children (Kogan, 2001).
New research indicates that simply watching television is not related to a child’s weight, however playing video games may be, (Medical News Today, 2004). Further research has proven that American children are more overweight, slower, and weaker than their counterparts in other developed nations (Dorman, 1997). In addition, American children assume sedentary lifestyles at earlier ages. This suggests that video games may contribute to inactive lifestyles by displacing involvement in sport and other physical activity, thus contributing to the increase in children’s obesity (Dorman, 1997).
According to Jennifer Warner, a new study suggests that every hour a child plays video games they may double their risk of obesity (Warner, 2004).
"Because obesity is difficult to treat once it has been established, obesity prevention during childhood is an essential component of the efforts to combat this global epidemic, and further research on obesity prevention is necessary," says Stettler.
Professionals say even though computer based games can influence obesity regular physical activity can help children lose weight and improve their physical and emotional health.
In light of the obesity crisis some of the new video games on the market have been developed to get children to exercise more then just their thumbs. Games have been developed to encourage children to get physically active and exercise while playing a game. Video games now have the capability of influencing children to get off the couch and to exercise (Wired News Report, 2004). Toy Quest's SpiderMan 2 Web Action Video Gaming System is an example of game encouraging children to exercise. The onscreen SpiderMan mirrors the player's movements using sensors strapped on the player's wrist and ankles, encouraging the child to get completely physical (MSNBC News, 2004).
Another innovative new media product is a device called the Kilowatt Intensity Gaming System from Power Grid Fittness. According to the company it "fuses the addictive fun of computer games with the physicality of sport� (Real Useful Fitness Blog, 2004). “The Kilowatt System looks like a machine you might see at a gym. There is a single shoulder-high joystick for your controller and a back brace to push against. When you push, sensors measure the strain you are placing on an alloy metal resistance rod and a microprocessor calculates how hard you're pushing. The more you push, the more "power" you have while playing a video game�, (Real Useful Fitness Blog, 2004).
(29th July, 2004) ‘A simple guide to useful, interesting, and up-to-date fitness info from all over the Web…Healthy video games will help kids’ Really Useful Fitness Blog [Online]. Available: [Go to Article] Accessed 24th October
(30th July, 2004) ‘Cure for Obesity: Video Games’, Wired News Report [Online] pg. 1. Available: [Go to Article] [Accessed 25th October 2004]
(18th March, 2004) ‘Obesity is kids linked to video games not TV,’ Medical News Today [Online]. Available: [Go to Article] [Accessed 26th October 2004]
(29th July 2004) ‘New games and shows get kids off the couch: Compaines designing entertainment that encourages children to exercise,’ MSNBC News, The Associated Press [Online]. Available: [Go to Article] [Accessed 24th October 2004]
(January, 2001) ‘Obesity in Children and Teens,’ “American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry� [Online]. Available: [Go to Article] [Accessed 26th October 2004]
Dorman, Steve (1997) Video and computer games: Effect on children and implications for health education. The Journal Of School Health, vol. 64 no. 4, pg. 133-138. Available: [Go to Article] [Acessed 7 Sep. 2004]
Mann, Denise. (2nd August 2000) ‘System Rewards Obese Kids’ Exercise with Video Game Time,’ WebMD [Online]. Available: [Go to Article][Accessed 25th October 2004]
Warner, Jennifer. (2004) ‘Video Games, TV Double Childhood Obesity Risk: Children Who Play Video Games, Watch TV More Likely to Be Obese,’ “WebMD Weight Loss Clinic: Medical News� [Online] Available: [Go to Article][Accessed 25th October 2004]
SarahMcCabe 21:32, 1 Nov 2004 (EST)
