Britain filled with fat lil' urchins; video games useful as a cure

The BBC (the last bastion of intelligent television) brings us a report stating that their kids are getting fatter and fatter each day. Doctors from Weight Concern, however, have yet another novel use for video games that might help fix the problem. Their system incorporates a step-machine-like system that is plugged into the console controller. As long as the gamer keeps up with a preset minimum amount of exercise (in this case, steps), their controller will keep working. If they get too lazy, however, their controller goes as dead as Nancy Spungen. Whether this will actually work remains to be seen, but until Oliver can control his cravings for one more bowl of porridge, it's good to see somebody doing something. Hit the jump for article highlights.

Dr Campbell said: "We know children are not as active as they need to be. "Anything that encourages them to exercise has to be helpful. However, how sad that we have to bribe children into physical activity. It's a terrible indictment on our society. "I don't think this is a bad invention but I don't think it's ideal. "It would be far better to encourage an increase in physical activity across the board, at both school and at home. And it might be an idea for parents to limit their children's access to the computer." Dr Colin Waine is chairman of the National Obesity Forum and is in favour of the invention, claiming it could help prevent children becoming obese when they reach adolescence. How sad that we have to bribe children into physical activity Dr Ian Campbell "Physical inactivity is one of the major causes of the rise in obesity so anything that means children will be more active is to be welcomed. "Sport doesn't appeal to everybody and we have got to think beyond the playing field. "This machine is a novel way of getting children to be more active. I don't think it's a bribe, it's just an incentive."

In essence, they're fat and they're little bastards. Ok, got it. Mind coming across the pond and telling us our kids are fat little dickheads too? I think some parents need to hear it.

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