Pokemon Go could reduce rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity, researchers say

[DCUK NewsBot]

University of Leicester researchers believe Pokémon Go could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Pokémon Go is a virtual reality smartphone app that encourages users to walk around and catch characters that appear on their phone screens. The app is now being played by millions of users worldwide, and could be an "innovative solution" to increasing rates of obesity in the UK, which shares a significant relationship with type 2 diabetes. "If there is something out there which is getting people off the sofa and pounding the streets then this game could be an innovative solution for rising obesity levels," said Dr. Tom Yates, an expert in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health at the University of Leicester. "Walking is hugely underrated yet it is man's best and the cheapest form of exercise. It's an easy and accessible way to get active and help maintain a healthy body." The UK has the second highest rate of obesity in Europe, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. "Recent figures suggest five million people in England are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes," added Yates. While the game could be influential in reducing rates of obesity or type 2 diabetes, it could also be valuable for people who already have type 2 diabetes or type 1 diabetes. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels and weight, so Pokémon Go - which is being played by adults as well as children - can inspire people to get regular exercise. Last week, a US study found that brisk walking can help people with prediabetes achieve better blood sugar control, and a 2015 study observed that people with type 2 diabetes who exercise after meals have a reduced risk of cardiovascular risk. People with type 1 diabetes, however, should be sure to keep hypo treatments on them at all times if playing Pokémon Go for extended periods of time.

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[al_leister]

Pokemon Go could reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes? Seriously? This is a non-story story-filler or maybe it's an advertisement. The non-story could be titled, Hopscotch, A Skateboard, Dog Walking, A Space Hopper, Nike Trainers..................................

 

[zand]

lol. I went out with my son searching for Pokémon one evening. Never again! Gets people moving? lol just a little, then they stand and wait and stand and wait, then the signal goes and they stand around reloading the program. It's not brisk walking when you are on the Pokémon trail, it's dead slow and stop, stop and more stop (and maybe a run when the people next to you realise you are the one who has caught the Abra that they were trying to catch) .

 

[Brunneria]

Haha! I had never heard of this game till Sunday morning when we were walking the dogs.
A girl and her INCREDIBLY PATIENT mother were doing 'it' all over our favourite park.
At 7.30 am.
On a Sunday.

Now, as dog walkers, and dog owners, we were there for the best of reasons.
That girl and her mother - certifiable!!!

 

[zand]

Haha! I had never heard of this game till Sunday morning when we were walking the dogs.
A girl and her INCREDIBLY PATIENT mother were doing 'it' all over our favourite park.
At 7.30 am.
On a Sunday.

Now, as dog walkers, and dog owners, we were there for the best of reasons.
That girl and her mother - certifiable!!!

Ummm....have you just insulted me @Brunneria

 

[Brunneria]

Ummm....have you just insulted me @Brunneria

Haha! Don't take it personally, it is a general Pokemon Go insult - a kind of scatter gun effect.



(mind you, now I think about it, aren't you the INCREDIBLY PATIENT mother in the scenario? I would be taking that as a compliment )

 

[noblehead]

lol. I went out with my son searching for Pokémon one evening. Never again! Gets people moving? lol just a little, then they stand and wait and stand and wait, then the signal goes and they stand around reloading the program. It's not brisk walking when you are on the Pokémon trail, it's dead slow and stop, stop and more stop (and maybe a run when the people next to you realise you are the one who has caught the Abra that they were trying to catch) .

Sounds like great fun

Seriously though if it gets people outdoors it can't be a bad thing, but like all the latest crazes it will soon pass.