children getting so little exercise these days is a major contributor to obesity

Fresh research done in America shows that there is a very strong link between video game use and the incidence of obesity in children and teenagers. The report that came from the Data Resource Centre on Child and Adolescent Health claims that almost 50 percent of American kids between the ages of 12 and 17 sit in front of computer screens for over two hours a day and this could be greatly contributing to the problem that America has with its weight.

There are many different reasons why developed countries are suffering from so much child obesity but the fact that children get so little exercise these days is a major contributor. Children are less likely to run in their gardens and in the street these days partly because of rising levels of crime in some areas and also because of the great attraction of these exciting video games.

The report saw a clear correlation between the number of hours spent playing video games and the likelihood of obesity. The report authors noted that for example the state of Utah had the lowest number of overweight children and also had the 2nd lowest incidence of children who spent over 2 hours a day using video games. At the other end of the spectrum the District of Columbia had the highest number of overweight children and also the highest proportion of children who spent more than 4 hours daily in front of their video games.

There is no harm in children using video games but it is important that they also get regular exercise too so that they can burn off excess calories everyday. Parents should make a special effort to make sure that their children do not just become couch potatoes but get outside each day even if it is just for a long walk.