Active video gaming could help battle against child obesity: New Zealand study

Active video gaming using interactive wireless technologies can help obese children shed weight, a New Zealand study found.

The researchers hope the findings could lead to a children's exercise revolution, particularly in parts of the world where children have less access to the outdoors because of overcrowding or severe winters.

The University of Auckland boasted its study was the world's most comprehensive investigation into the health benefits of sustained active video-gaming, which uses wireless technology to connect controllers, motion sensors, camera and screen, allowing software to respond to the players' movements.

The study of 323 overweight and obese children aged 10 to 14 years found "a small but definite positive effect on body mass index" among active gamers, said a statement from the university.

"Small but positive effects" were also found for snack food consumption and fitness.

"Sedentary activities, such as video gaming, have been shown to be independently associated with obesity," said principal investigator Dr Ralph Maddison.

"We were keen to see how much active gaming might increase physical activity and improve the body composition of children who were overweight and already well-acquainted with gaming."

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