Gate Crasher

Obesity is a fairly strong word that can spark a number of emotional responses from denial to anger. Unfortunately it is a fast growing problem that many nations are recognising. Obesity seems to have a ‘ripple’ effect on a number of things ranging from self esteem, personal health, the economy and health care industry.

 The Surgeon General (David Satcher, M.D. PhD) is quoted saying “Overweight and obesity may not be infectious diseases, but they have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Overweight and obesity are increasing in both genders and among all population groups…… Approximately 300,000 deaths a year in this country are currently associated with overweight and obesity.”

  One of the unique things about this epidemic is how industry adapts to this problem. A number of new business ideas now are arising with the sole aim to address the issue at a young age, there are schools now banning junk food from cafeterias’ and children’s yoga classes. But one of interest is the gaming industry’s attempt to combat the issue.

  Gaming has long been associated with the increase of inactivity of youths. Whether it’s the humble 30 year old living in his parent’s basement “World of Warcraft” for 48 hours straight peeing into a bottle or the couch potato playing the entire Halo trilogy in one sitting. A new trend is catching on to involve the gamer on a physical level and appeal to a broader market.

  To date there is still a short supply of the Nintendo Wiis’ in stores around the world after its initial release on September 14, 2006. The Wii incorporates motion controller along with multiple games that encourage constant activity for the gaming to participate in. Wii Sport and Wii Fit being among the most popular titles for the console. The Wii Fit compromises of a balance board that measures your weight, movement and records your improvement over time. Although one side effect is that avid gamings sustaining injuries after prolonged use of particular games. There have been studies when the participants used the active console (Wii), reaching values of 130 beats per minute, as compared with 85 beats per minute for the traditional console.

  The Xbox 360 is also jumping onboard the craze, with the release of Dance Dance Revolution (Dance Stage Universe). DDR will have you burning as many calories as the treadmill at the gym as you use the dance mat to step and jump your way through the game. Some versions of the game also include a work out option that tracks weight and calories over time.

  Fitness gaming and excellent idea as we see parents embrace technology, not only taking part in it themselves, but also encouraging activity for their children.