Teens complexed by their weightcould be easily spent playing sports video games at home on a regular basis, according to a Canadian study published in the journal Pediatrics.
Researchers from the University of Montreal interviewed more than 1,200 adolescents, aged 14 to 19, and their parents about their family background and their relationship to video games. Moving behind your console is an idea that particularly appeals to young girls who have not trust them. “Girls may be uncomfortable playing sports at school because they feel judged. These games are an alternative,” said Professor O’Loughlin, who took part in the study. The girls observed during the study played on average twice a week for 50 minutes of activity. This is rather below the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) which advocates 60 minutes per day of physical activity of moderate to sustained intensity. Children and young people aged 5 to 17 should accumulate at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Physical activities include outdoor games, daily chores, walking or cycling, etc.
73% of the players evaluated by the team would play rather intensely, which helps them to keep an average physical activity, according to the scientists. Wii Sports, Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit Yoga are the games most popular with young teens.
Fitness: outdoor sports, a sure bet
Hiding behind your console to avoid the gaze of others can be reassuring for adolescents with complexes, but it may not be enough to prevent the risk of overweight. However, they should not be exempted from physical education and sports lessons with their peers. The teenager must play at least two sports at school to prevent any risk of overweight or obesity, according to a study published last July in the journal Pediatrics. Too bad for the complex.
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