Have we finally found an app to address the world's problem on obesity and diabetes? "Pokemon Go" players spend a lot of walking, and maybe even running, just to look for those animated characters.
The viral game is not a health app but according to Dr Margaret McCartney, author of an editorial in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), a "Pokemon Go" trainer walked 225 kilometers (140 miles) in search for those characters and lost 12.7 kilograms. Since the game encourages people to go out and do some physical activities, it could address obesity problems.
Basking in the sun while collecting "Pokemon Go" characters like Bulbasaur, Charizard or Pidgey could actually help players get their dose of Vitamin D! Aside from the physical benefits of playing the augmented reality game, there is also a positive social interaction among gamers. It could even be more fun if the whole family plays together.
Of course, the claims are not based on some randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, but on claims of players who actually lost weight. The University of Leicester published that people with obesity should have at least two and a half hours (150 minutes) of moderate exercise to prevent developing Type 2 diabetes. That exercise should be done in shifts of ten minutes or more. Playing "Pokemon Go" could let people go out the street to walk, run or jog for more than two hours even without noticing the time.
While there are benefits, there will also always be risks. Reports have point out accidents, robbery and even shoot-outs while playing the viral game. Parents of children playing "Pokemon Go" should be more vigilant. They should always remind them to avoid dark areas even if "Charmander" is ready for capture. Authorities are warning the public of predators that might be looking for victims. New York has already banned 3,000 sexual offenders from playing the Niantic game.
