Study: Average gamer is 35, fat and bummed

[charlie and algernon]

A new study says the average age of video-game players in the United States is 35, and oh, by the way: They're overweight and tend to be depressed.

Investigators from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory University and Andrews University analyzed survey data from 552 adults in the Seattle-Tacoma area. The subjects ranged in age from 19 to 90, according to the study, published in the October issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The hypothesis was that video-game players have a higher body mass index — the measure of a person's weight in relation to their height — and "a greater number of poor mental health days" versus nonplayers, said Dr. James B. Weaver III of the CDC's National Center for Health Marketing. The hypothesis was correct, he said.

snip

Both male and female video game players spend more time than nonplayers seeking friendship and support on the Internet, the study found, "a finding consistent with prior research pointing to the willingness of adult video-game enthusiasts to sacrifice real-world social activities to play video games."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32463904/ns/technology_and_science-games/wid/11915829>1=40006

[Deja Q]

1. Okay everybody, let's sing in unison:

They need to get laid!

[kentauros]

4. They just need to become caddies.

Caddyshack in a minute

[Mojambo]

2. Mojambo... This...Is...Your...Life! n/t

[Tobin S.]

3. Well, you can only consume so much Mountain Dew and pizza

before it starts to take a toll. :)

I used to play video games quite a bit, and Weaver is right in my case. The games were pleasureable to me when I had very little pleasure in my life beyond Mountain Dew and pizza. I don't think hanging out and playing video games is a bad thing. I'd just rather read a book, or go for a walk, or visit with family and friends now days.

[Deja Q]

5. I know how you feel.

I've started power walking, and using the elliptical trainer while watching "The Simpsons". Especially to get the weight off and to put the arthritis at bay...

I, for real, don't think I'll ever have anyone in my life, but feeling healthier has far more benefits.