Game systems are popular methods for keeping kids entertained. Some parents claim they would rather have their kids at home playing video games, than away from home without adult supervision. Moreover, some games improve manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination and mental acuity. A growing problem as children increase the amount of time they spend gaming, unfortunately, is their expanding bodies. Child obesity has reached distressing percentages, and caused parents and professionals alike to question the sedentary lifestyle related to the popularity of game systems.
History
Gaming has evolved significantly since the era of arcade machines and the simplistic graphics of Pong in the 1960s. Sophisticated electronics and amazing virtual worlds, combining animation and interactive graphics in such games as World of Warcraft (WoW)and Eve Online, intensify the allure of game systems to an addictive level. Many games, particularly when played online, command attention due to drawing the user into the game as an active participant, rather than a passive player.
According to David Banks, a gamer with about 30 years of experience, massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) such as WoW stimulate the user psychologically as he watches and maneuvers his character, and interacts with other virtual characters, throughout the game's storyline.
Identification of Obesity
Obesity statistics continue to rise at a disturbing pace. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), obesity rates in children under 12 rose from about 15 percent in 1999, to nearly 19 percent in 2004, with a projected 20 percent rate in 2010. The HHS study on childhood obesity defined it as at or above the 95th percentile, according to gender, on the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale.
Effects
As Banks stated, it is much too easy to lose hours caught up in a game, no matter which one you play. He said it's often more fun to pretend to throw a ball in a virtual game, than expend the energy to go outside and throw a real ball. The game, virtual or otherwise, offers an escape from reality. This presents a problem for kids who participate in few, if any, other leisure activities or organized sports. The HHS study identified video game playing and computer use as two of the contributing factors to childhood obesity. The more frequently kids sit playing games and snacking on unhealthy foods, the greater the likelihood of weight gain, due to the sedentary lifestyle.
Warnings
Child obesity is dangerous on many levels. Overweight kids often suffer emotionally and mentally as they face ridicule and teasing about being "fat." Even more crucial, however, is the adverse effect on their health as kids carry excess weight to the point that it strains their joints and overburdens their internal organs and bodily functions. Dr. Mary Gavin at KidsHealth warns that obese kids face the risk of developing such serious health problems as high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory difficulties, liver and gall bladder disease, and sleep disorders.
Considerations
Ensure that your child doesn't become part of the obesity statistics. Model a healthy lifestyle. Limit the amount of time your child spends each day on gaming. Encourage him to get some form of physical activity every day, for at least 60 minutes. Consult with your child's pediatrician to determine the appropriate weight for your child's age and gender. Help your child keep track of his weight and physical measurements, especially his waist size. Facilitate healthy eating habits by keeping nutritious, low calorie snack foods around the house.
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