Active video games don’t boost kids’ daily physical activity levels, study says

Our take: With childhood obesity rates increasing, many gaming companies have tried to incorporate physically active games into their libraries. While the games may help children move around the living room, a new study suggests the games do not increase children's daily physical activity. The Montreal Gazette explains why children need more than just active video games to get off the couch.

TORONTO — Active video games may help get kids off the couch, but child fitness advocates say they shouldn't be seen as a substitute for real exercise.

Active Healthy Kids Canada has released its official position on active video games after convening an international panel of researchers to look at the latest evidence on the subject.

The organization says "exergames" are a good way to break up the time kids spend being sedentary. However, they're not as good as having kids play real active games or sports.

The group also says playing active video games doesnt lead to increased overall daily physical activity levels.

Read more about the new study on The Gazette.