Many parents object to video games for their children because it might make the couch potatoes, or keep the kids just staring at the screen instead of doing physical activity. That's really no longer true, with some of the great fitness and activity games now available for kids of all ages. There are dancing games, exercise games and sports games that your child probably won't even realize is making them move!
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The idea of video gaming makes people think of sitting on the couch, but today with the Nintendo Wii and other game consoles where movement is incorporated, kids are off the couch and moving. Wii games like Just Dance 2, Nintendo Wii Sports Resort and others can help kids get into a better mindset about getting active.
For parents of overweight children, it's helpful to know that some recent studies have shown that overweight kids could benefit from using some of today's more "active" video games available on the market. Studies of kids ages 10-14 who are overweight found that adding in some active video gaming helped them to avoid gaining weight over the course of six months.
It's not the gaming itself that helps them reduce their weight gain, but more the fact that they begin to get use to activity. Getting outside and doing activity is always the best idea, but for children who enjoy video games, it can help to reinforce the notion of moving their bodies as being healthy for them. It's also a great idea when the weather outside is not cooperating, or as a treat after all the homework is completed. Some of the best Wii games are designed to get kids moving, for example.
Experts don't want to tell parents to allow more video gaming as a result, but they do agree that it helps to play active games as opposed to sitting down games if the kids have to play at all.
Other tips are to limit "screen time" to just a couple hours or less per day, and to also restrict other electronics and television time. It's good for children when their parents promote activity and health over just using the video game console as a baby sitter.
In testing done on overweight children, those that played sedentary games gained 2-3 pounds, while those who played the more active games showed no weight gain. While this is a small difference, keeping extra weight off is good for growing kids who are overweight. Researchers were quick to say that the change was minimal and they re not recommending adding more video games, but just to use the game time kids currently have to play more active games instead of the sedentary ones.
Having a family lifestyle that is active and healthy overall, and doing activities together, is the best solution for children who are overweight.