Gamertell

A recent study by West Virgina University, which was reported on by the Charleston Daily Mail, has reported that the video game Dance Dance Revolution can be used as a successful means to control weight in children. The study ran for 24 weeks and involved 35 medically-overweight participants between seven and 12 years of age and asked the children to play the title every day, gradually increasing the amount of time played over the 24 week period. There were no changes in the children’s diets or environments, only the video game was introduced.

The result was a decrease in the amount of weight children playing gained and an increase in the self confidence of the children playing. The kids enjoyed participating in the study and engaging in the video game exercise, and began to feel better about themselves because of their new body image. The study showed that the game didn’t completely prevent weight gain, kids who played still gained an average of two pounds over the 24 weeks, but it did help slow down the weight gain.

This isn’t really anything new though, as many video fans know that DDR‘s interactive controls are a great way to start slimming down. I have a friend who lost around 25 lbs by religiously playing the game over a year. It’s a good way to get going, and a lot more fun than aerobics.

Read [Charleston Daily Mail]