First, the truth about childhood obesity:

Youth obesity is a serious and increasingly prevalent problem in technologically developed (computer literate) societies. Nearly a quarter of American children are now obese, a dramatic increase of more than 20% in the last decade. It is intriguing that the increase in prevalence has occurred while overall fat consumption has decreased. Low physical activity (PA) is characteristic of obese children and adolescents and can be one of the causes of youth obesity. There is a strong association between the prevalence of obesity and the degree of television and computer viewing. The three main dietary approaches are; 1) protein-sparing modified fasting, 2) balanced low-calorie diets, and 3) comprehensive behavioral lifestyle programs. To achieve lasting control of overweight, changes in activity and eating patterns must be combined, using behavior modification techniques, said the American College of Sports Medicine.

Obesity rates increased in 31 US states.

Obesity rates continued to rise in 31 states last year, and no state showed a decline. Mississippi became the first state to break the 30 percent barrier for adults considered obese. West Virginia and Alabama lagged behind, according to Trust for America’s Health, a research group that focuses on disease prevention. Colorado continued its reign as the thinnest state in the nation with a projected obesity rate of 17.6 percent. (Associated Press, August 2007)

Time to get up and move America!

Now there is an official health condition called “Wii-itis” … Which means that you play too much on the Wii. Similar to tendonitis.

Come on, we finally designed a computer game that really lifts us up and moves us, and now it’s too much activity? So if I’m playing Taekwondo Wii and I hurt my knee playing this video game, could it be called “Wii-knee?” and you may need to go to the doctor?