Comments on: Video Games and Obesity

By: I am an example

I am an example — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:46:37 +0000

I was on the streets playing badminton. My neighbor comes out of her house and tells me she does not want to see my big ass playing on the streets and to go back inside and continue playing my videogames. I am a little chubby around 150lb. I would like to exercise sometimes but because of how others view me, I have to go back to my old habit. When you see an obese lady in the gym, how many of you think that she’s going to last and have the will to go on till she’s back to her normal weight? I mean video games and obesity definitely is linked but the community is not supportive in helping these fellas. Friends and parents only tell them they are obese, what can they do? Go back to their video games and live in their fantasy. It’s an on-going loop. People do not get obese because of playing videogames, obsessive playing of videogames and unhealthy eating habits while playing videogames, and of course lack of exercise gets them obese. Once they are labeled out of the normal weight, they feel ashamed to go out, because others will view them as obese, and they need that escape from the world they live in. escape from the horror they live in, escape from the names they are called, and through the screen, they are not to be seen and not to be judge. The only judgment they get is how well they are doing. Everyone would like to be accepted not judged. Same for obesity.

By: John S.

John S. — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:12:51 +0000

In holland everybody cycles everywhere. Obesity is much less of an issue there and the government saves billions on healthcare costs. In fact, there is universal health insurance because it is actually affordable with such a healthy population.

America would do well to encourage cycling in the big cities, which would go some way to reducing the need for oil. However, the government needs to create cycle lanes etc. to make it safe.

The government could also tax gasoline consumption more or big engine cars, or subsidise greener fuels. However, these are kind of distorting the working of a free market.

By: Betty Boop

Betty Boop — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:47:04 +0000

Well, "violent" has nothing to do with the issue here. The issue youre talking about is just "video games" themselves.

Yes, speaking from experience video games can increase obesity, shorten attention spans, and desensitize someone to violence. It can also lead to under-developed social skills and coping mechanisms.

I love playing video games, especially violent video games, but one must understand that its best to do it in moderation.

By: Sami

Sami — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:27:24 +0000

By: Lisse

Lisse — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:04:58 +0000

and donuts, and french fries and hamburgers, and potato chips and hostess products.. (i dont play video games) i just dont see a point.. i feel adults buy games for their children they should know what they are getting themselves into

By: Spironmanman

Spironmanman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:27:07 +0000

studies show video games DO NOT actually cause obesity…

a lack of exercise and/or unhealthy eating habits cause obesity

video games are just one of a list they like to pick on along with things like the internet and general television because people who spend all their spare time doing these activities funnily enough are not spending that time exercising.

By: whitesoxman61

whitesoxman61 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:33:24 +0000

neither. Parents cause child obesity. Dont buy the twinkies and junk food. Cook healthy meals instead of going to McDonalds or any fast food. Dont let the child snack late at night when watching tv. Dont have pop in the house. Make them drink water or if you do have pop then have diet caffeine free pop.

By: KepN2

KepN2 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:00:49 +0000

Some games have check points, and some you can only save at the end of a level.

He can pause the game and come back to it later, though.

Why don't you two do stuff together? You play with him for 1/2 hr, then he comes outside with you for 1/2 hr, and then he can get back to him game.

By: Timothy K

Timothy K — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:22:28 +0000

video games are not responsible, kids choose to do this. i remember all i did was go outside and play when i was little. but as soon as i had that ps1 in my room, i stopped. its all about choice. i don't think video games should be blamed. you also have to think about all the fast food restaurants that are on every block of america- its crazy. we're just moving a different cultrue i guess

By: jimmiesner

jimmiesner — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:37:06 +0000

YES! They might try to eat you or shoot you! The good thing is that they can't run! So just walk away. Nah I'm just kidding, the games might produce some aggression, but I've seen kids that play video games constantly and they are perfectly healthy. As for the violence part I play video games a lot and you don't see me shoot people and I'm pretty sure that I'm healthy.