Playing video games can help beat childhood obesity: study

Researchers from George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS) in the US found that blood-pumping titles such as dance games can actually boost energy expenditure among inner city children, a group that is at high risk for unhealthy weight gain.

More than 100 kids from deprived areas were tested playing games against standard school physical education lessons, The Sun reported.

The results showed video-gaming might be a useful alternative to traditional physical education in kids aged 8-11 and a good motivator for older kids.

"A lot of people say screen time is a big factor in the rising tide of childhood obesity. But if a kid hates playing dodge ball but loves Dance Dance Revolution why not let him work up a sweat playing E-games?" lead author Todd Miller said.

Hundreds of US schools already use video games in PE classes in the hope of motivating inactive kids.

"Many of these children live in neighbourhoods without safe places to play or ride a bike after school," Miller said.

"If E-games can get them to move in school then maybe they'll play at home too and that change could boost their physical activity to a healthier level," Miller added.

The study was published in the journal Games for Health.