Lose weight playing video games, study says

CLEVELAND (KABC) -- Active video games are more than just fun; researchers found they can help obese children lose more weight than traditional weight loss programs alone.

The report in the Journal of Pediatrics followed 75 kids. Everyone got instruction in nutrition and physical exercise, but only half received Xbox 360 consoles.

Children who used the gaming system increased their daily moderate-to-vigorous activity on average nearly 8 minutes, with a third of that time focused on vigorous play.

"So, if you're enrolled in a weight management program and using an active gaming system, where you're getting up and moving and getting your heart rate up you're going to be more likely to be more active during that program," said Dr. Sara Lappe of the Cleveland Clinic.

While both study groups lost weight, participants who used the active gaming consoles experienced a more than 100 percent reduction in relative weight and Body Mass Index compared to kids who only participated in a weight management program.

Researchers say active gaming systems appear to help overweight children move more.

Active gaming is a good start, but Dr. Lappe says getting outside is a better option.

"So, if you're using it and actually getting active, then it can increase your physical activity, but really, in the end, the best thing is to be active, get outside and get away from your screen," said Dr. Lappe.

Several other studies have indicated that active video games can be a good way for kids to keep fit.

A study published last May found that high intensity video games burned as many calories as moderate-to-intense exercise.