Videogames to Blame for Child Obesity?

Akshay Masand — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:12:55 -0600

Steve Easterbrook, the chief executive of McDonalds UK, has recently blamed videogames for child obesity. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Are videogames really to blame? It seems kind of silly and stupid of a company such as McDonalds, which makes its money stuffing the mouths of children (see above), to blame the gaming industry and counter-culture for unhealthy eating habits.

It must be the games that have been climbing the sales charts lately - I bet Call of Duty 4 is responsible for thousands of pounds gained over the holiday season, not those Christmas cookies.

Dude, Your Xbox is Upside Down. Also, You're Dying

Aaron Dunlap — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:12:11 -0600

This couch is going to kill this kid and all the grape soda, upside-down Xbox 360, and bag of "crisps" can do is watch!

Actually, this is a clipping from a a flier being propagated by The HSC Foundation, which describes themselves as "dedicated to improving access to services for individuals with special needs who face challenging social and health care barriers." That makes more sense than a change machine.

The flier, which can be seen in full after the jump, warns that "Lack of exercise and a poor diet puts kids at serious risk for Heart Disease, Diabetes, Asthma, Joint Pain and more."

I don't disagree with that at all, but did they absolutely have to put an Xbox 360 right in the photo, where it logically should not be unless that kid has a special 25' (invisible) video cable? Wouldn't it just be enough to show him holding a game controller?

And what are "Crisps"? Clearly that bag contains potato chips, and anybody who would call them otherwise is a communist.

But seriously, folks, go play some frisbee or something because you're all looking a little doughy and I'm concerned about your health.

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Videogames to Blame for Child Obesity?

Dude, Your Xbox is Upside Down. Also, You're Dying