Conclusion

Video Games & Obesity has been increasing in the last 20 years. The problem for this is more companies have joined the video game market, there are billions of dollars in the industry, creating new games that are harder, longer, and more addicting. Some examples of this are, Call of Duty series, Racing games, and first person shooters.

A big reason why the obesity rate is increasing, is because children and teens are eating more fast food, chips, and soda. These foods are filled with saturated fat and calories. Especially since children today are less likely to do exercise and participate in sports, and more likely to participate in gaming activities.

From my research about video games and obesity. It feels like New Mexico is really striving to decrease obesity in their state by increasing tax on all gaming equipment, video games and systems. If all states start this program i think it would help decrease obesity in general.

The counter for video games being bad for your health, is that video games allow young kids to develop their learning abilities in classroom settings, and enforce the repetition of playing to become smarter and new ways to learn with today's new technology.

Overall Games will be around for a long time and with the way they market to allow people to participate, it feels like we are going to have a problem with obesity and we really have to step forward to create ways to decrease these obesity rates.

Wii Fit is really Wii Unfit

Some people believe on their soul that Wii Fit is the most amazing thing in the world. The believe this because they can do exercise indoors when it is cold out, or when it is a scorching 100+ degrees.

Earl Feng, an orthopedic surgeon who practices in Mesa and Tempe, Arizona. In an Arizona Republic article, he reported that such problems are seen “periodically with overuse.” Mark Klion, a sports medicine specialist with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics noted that he has played Wii Fit with his three children, all younger than 10 years old.

"I’ve told people, this will never replace physical exercise both psychologically and physically,” he stated, adding that “We’ve also treated patients with what we deem are Wii injuries.”

Because proper stretching and movement of the body is not done before a vigorous work out you are actually not loosing weight. The proper way to lose weight is to get some true cardio work out in.

Could New Mexico's tax on video games help lower obesity rates

Will citizens of New Mexico become enraged of 1% tax increase on video games, televisons, and gaming equipment?
Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque) sponsoring a bill that would tax TVs, video games and gaming equipment. The fund would help establish outdoor activities to fight obesity among kids. The name of the bill is, “Leave No Child Inside”. Estimates of this bill would raise more than $4 million annually for children to develop outdoor education programs; to create teaching materials for these initiatives; to provide transportation for children to enjoy outdoor events; and to increase nature-oriented physical activity programs. Other states like this and are trying to get it passed to decrease obesity through out the country.

Advertising in the Modern day

Remembering from playing video games my self. I thought this was a catchy ad that was pretty creative. The Marketing crew again really did a great job in influencing people to promote products, World of Warcraft as well as Mt.Dew the fuel for gaming.



As well as this ad, for xbox 360's game Halo 3. It shows that you can only win if you drink Mt. Dew game fuel and beat out all of your compeition.

Video Games showing positive correlation for children's health

In 2004, A study shows that video games are a great learning tool for children. Game creators know how to suck children into games to allow them to learn. A big game for young children just starting school are the jump start games. Children find them highly motivating: by virtue of their interactive nature. children are actively engaged with them: they provide repeated practice: and they include rewards for skillful play. Also, from the article it shows Video games have been shown to teach children healthy skills for the self-care of asthma and diabetes, and have been successful at imparting the attitudes, skills, and behaviors that they were designed to teach.

Burger King at it again

In 2006, Burger King decided to join the video game market. They had a a deal where if you bought a combo meal you could pay $4 and could receive one of three video games. The games were PocketBike Racer, Sneak King, and Big Bumpin. Microsoft and Burger King teamed up to create marketing strategies to introduce and create a demand for the new Xbox system on the markets. It doesn't only promote Microsoft, but Burger King really gained business since many children wanted the new game.

Now in 2010, Microsoft and Burger King have teamed up again for the new Kinect, the new controller where Microsoft uses the body as the controller. This new deal is from November 1st to 28th 2010 they will give away a complete Kinect Prize pack every 15 minutes. This again is creating more business for Burger King, the marketing figures have really succeeded in creating business for both parties.

Are Kids Getting Enough Exercise

Did you know you need approximately 30 minutes daily exercise, if not more to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With today's fast foods, chips and easily available sodas, the calorie count increases. You go from a normal 2000 calorie diet to about a 3000-4000 calorie diet with all of the junk foods around.

According to Health Discovery only one and three American children participate in daily physical activity. Now you ask where do the excess calories that children eat go if they are not exercising, these calories turn to fat. Children have a hard time focusing on physical activities for even twenty minutes, the reason for this is because all the new video games that are available to them in this day in age they want to focus on beating that next level, not exercise.