Kotaku: fat kids

New Mexico Proposes Video Game Tax To Get Kids Off Asses

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:20:00 MST

The latest proposal that would tax video games (and televisions) in an effort to fund other, seemingly unrelated programs has popped up in New Mexico, initiated by the Sierra Club. The environmental organization's executive director, Carl Pope, writes on the Huffington Post that tacking on a 1% tax on games and televisions would generate some $4 million toward pushing the "No Child Left Inside" agenda, getting chubby kids off their humps and out to national parks where they can receive an outdoor education.

We suppose that this sort of diversion of funds makes more sense than others. I just hope they don't limit the use of PSPs for these poor kids brought to tears by the prospect of experiencing "nature." And, please New Mexico, make sure these kids are well stocked on Happy Meals.

A Tax to Remember [The Huffington Post via GamePolitics]

UK McDonald's Boss Blames Games For Obesity

Mike Fahey — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:40:15 MST

While I am positive that at least 15 of the extra pounds on my frame at the moment can be directly attributed to my recent string of afternoon visits to the McDonald's drive-thru down the street from my apartment, but McDonald's UK CEO Steve Easterbrook sees it somewhat differently. Who is to blame for the obesity epidemic?

"I don't know who is to blame," Mr Easterbrook says. "The issue of obesity is complex and is absolutely one our society is facing, there's no denial about that, but if you break it down I think there's an education piece: how can we better communicate to individuals the importance of a balanced diet and taking care of themselves? Then there's a lifestyle element: there's fewer green spaces and kids are sat home playing computer games on the TV when in the past they'd have been burning off energy outside.

Plus the people are eating complete shit. Added that last bit myself. Of course he does have a point. I haven't participated in any organized outdoor activities since I learned to forge my mother's name back in high school. Eating completely worthless McDonald's crap constantly can only be countered by arduous physical activity, and despite reports to the contrary, playing with your Wii doesn't count.

When it comes to the question of obesity, here is my opinion. You can eat right and play video games all day long and still be relatively slim. You can eat horrible, grease-soaked garbage and exercise regularly and still maintain a nice figure. You can't do both.

Big Macs and healthy profits - how the fast food giant fought back [Times Online via MCV]

Pepsi-Sponsored Game Fights Mexican Obesity

Mike Fahey — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:20:36 MST

Mexico is one of the world's leading producers of fat children, thanks to the nation's propensity for friend foods and the overwhelming popularity of soft drinks - the country is second only to the United States in soda consumption. Now one brave soft drink company has risen above the rest to combat Mexico's growing childhood obesity epidemic. Are they pulling their product? Making it healthier? No! They're making a video game. A tamagotchi-style game to be exact, where children must guide a character called a Nutrin through everyday choices involving healthy and well-balanced eating. Will it work?

"It's great," Cesar shouted above the din of digital yeehahs, boings, burps and jingles as his class wallowed in their weekly session. "It teaches you what you should eat." The 10-year old's ample frame spilling over his chair belied his claim that he already eats mostly fruit and vegetables and drinks only water, but he was certainly having fun. The conversation was cut short when his nutrin began demanding attention: "I'm hungry," it said.

The game is a part of the company's Live Healthily school program, aimed at teaching children the proper way to eat healthy food and enjoy regular delicious and refreshing Pepsi products. This will of course be as successful as a Smith & Wesson "Don't Shoot At Rival Gangs" campaign, or Columbia's "The Drugs Are For Other Countries" initiative.

Don't worry though, Pepsi isn't using the Live Healthily program for self-promotion. Just ask Jorge Meyer, vice president of corporate affairs of PepsiCo in Mexico.

"We are already producing nutritional products. . .The problem is that Mexicans haven't wanted to buy them."

*finishes his third can of Mountain Dew this morning and sighs* Just sad.

Pepsi tackles childhood obesity with videogames in Mexico [Guardian Unlimited via GEMAGA]

Exergaming Is Hot

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 03 May 2007 16:40:43 MDT

The LA TImes ran a recent feature on the rise of exercise-focused gaming, dubbed exergaming, which combines the fun of interactive video entertainment and calorie burning.

Some gyms are integrating dedicated exergaming machines into their circuit of traditional exercise machinery, with some business springing up around the concept of family-based exercise complete with Dance Dance Revolution arcade set ups.

Fitness clubs like Bally and other staid institutions, such as the YMCA, look to experiment further with exergaming in the future, hopefully helping reduce our ballooning fat kid problem.

Thanks for the tip, Melissa! Michael McWhertor

Exergaming blends video games with workouts [LA Times]