Online gamers are fitter than the average American

by JeffHuang | September 19, 2008 at 02:12 pm

1015 views | 14 Recommendations | 16 comments

When we speak of online gamers, the image of a fat male slugging away on a seat in a dark damp basement comes to mind. This stereotype needs to be reworked as a test conducted shows that adult gamers are slimmer and if not more fit than the average American.

Wait a minute, before all you online gamers start being all confident and proud, it also shows that gamers are more prone to depression and substance abuse.

PALE, overweight couch potatoes. That's the stereotype of avid online computer gamers, but these joystick junkies are actually in better than average physical condition, a new US survey suggests, although they may be less healthy mentally.

The results suggest that adult gamers have an average body mass index of 25.2, compared to the overall American average of 28. The average gamer also engages in vigorous exercise once or twice a week, which the researchers say is more than most Americans. The reasons for this are not obvious, although the team suggest it may be because more educated, wealthier people are attracted to computer games, and these people also tend to take better care of their health.

"Average gamers engage in vigorous exercise once or twice a week"
The downside, however, was that the gamers reported more cases of depression and substance abuse than their compatriots. "They may be drawn to use the game to help deal with emotional distress," says team member Scott Caplan of the University of Delaware.

How the test was conducted:

Researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, the Palo Alto Research Center, also in California, and the University of Delaware in Newark, quizzed 7000 players of the role-playing game EverQuest II about their physical and mental health. Participants were offered a specially created virtual weapon as an incentive - the "Greatstaff of the Sun Serpent". The researchers then combined the survey responses with statistics about players' online activities and playing habits.

I'm sorry, but I disagree with the theory that they have came up with where they believe wealthier, educated people are attracted to computer games and that these people take care of themselves more. I don't have a theory myself, but just seems like the one they have came up with is a bit unreasonable. Maybe having to sit in a chair for 10hrs+ they are willing to stretch their legs and do some exercise? I have no idea. What do you think.

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Shayne Kaye

at 23:19 on September 19th, 2008

Ever notice how being even remotely adept at computer issues means you'll eventually end up with a setup like this? Transferring files for a non-geek. At least I'm useful for something.

Shayne Kaye has contributed a photo to this story.

ramenkitty22

at 00:56 on September 20th, 2008

My boyfriend playing WOW. He exercises regularly and eats pretty healthy since I'm a vegetarian. He works as a lifeguard and watches kindergartners so he's active at his job as well.

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gamp

at 04:08 on September 20th, 2008

This so called story has horrible grammar.

rabkaman

at 06:29 on September 20th, 2008

A battle of Rise of Legends between sworn enemies father and son. I did Ironman 1 week prior to this picture being taken so my son, whom has recently joined cross country and can now run a 5k faster then me... didn't stand a chance. I went the distance with him.. and cooked his feeble attempts to destory me into burnt toast. Kudos to healthy gamers!!

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Mike Burns

at 06:35 on September 20th, 2008

Pale, double-chinned, constantly distracted, and single.

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jordan

at 07:37 on September 20th, 2008

Gaming has grown so popular that it no longer sits within one social group, so it makes sense that fitness regimes would stray beyond the stereotype.

icco

at 09:03 on September 20th, 2008

Gamers of all shapes and sizes were at PAX this year. I'm a strong beleiver that it's just a hobby, stereotypes be damned.

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ratajik

at 12:49 on September 20th, 2008

The Warbiking rig pic was me a year ago, after loosing a bunch of weight playing Warcraft. I am a software developer - I spend at least 8 hours a day during the day working, and at least several hours a week working on my own stuff (StationRipper - http://www.stationripper.com ). Been doing it since I was 12.

While I'm not Warbiking any more, I do use this rig to do cardio while playing Spore, a few XBox games, and most recently Warhammer on-line. I'm not spending nearly as much time doing so - but usually am lifting heavy weights 1 hour a day, at least 5 times a week.

I'm a big believer that you'll do better at life if you are in shape!

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sofiechan

at 02:29 on September 21st, 2008

Big fatties playing all day surrounded by pizza boxes and Red Bull cans... they're still out there. There's pizza here, there's Go Fast around here, but I exercise every day (and I don't mean anything like Wii Fit) and I'm a healthy player. It's an addiction and I lack sleep but I'm popular (and not just with the "geeks"), in the middle of a great carrier, am well trained and all of my fellow players are alike.
24/7 healthy living players are taking over...

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Misty5002000

at 06:32 on September 21st, 2008

This is my husband and son playing WOW together on a weekend. WOW has made the "father and son" bond stronger. They love going on raids together and helping each other out. Don't try talking to them while this is happening though! Some weird language comes out of their mouths and I have no clue what they a trying to say. Something about leveling up... and mana...no clue. Anyway, we also enjoy camping, fishing, the park, and other fun activities that we do together.

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Misty5002000

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 06:48 on September 21st, 2008

JeffHuang,

Thanks for the story. You are a great writer!

Julia Christophers

at 15:26 on September 21st, 2008

Daniel Holthuis, one of Germany's best WC3 players

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canon_eos_5d

at 22:14 on September 21st, 2008

canon_eos_5d has contributed a photo to this story.

Dave Keating

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 22:57 on September 21st, 2008

JeffHuang, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Lucas Gillispie

at 04:43 on September 22nd, 2008

This image was taken at the Games, Learning, and Society Conference (2008) in Madison, Wisconsin. Here public educators, administrators and academics were discussing World of Warcraft, while playing.

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strangepup

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 02:17 on September 23rd, 2008

The stereotype that came from the geeks hanging out in the video arcade playing Missle Command and Asteroids no longer applies to console and PC gamers. People of all ages and backgrounds play now and the percentage of girls that are playing is catching up to boys.