Wii Fit Won’t Help You Lose Weight
- Scribbled on May 25th, 2008 by Jonah Falcon
- Filed in Casual Gaming, Interviews, Nintendo Wii, WTF
In an interview with GameSpy about Wii Fit, published expert on diet and nutrition Dr. Judith S. Stern, who is also a professor of Nutrition and Internal Medicine at the University of California-Davis, says the Wii Fit will not help someone lose weight, due to its misleading use of BMI to judge weight loss, and that the Nintendo software is dangerously misleading.
An excerpt:
GameSpy: So the basic idea behind Wii Fit, where using it will help lower your BMI, you’re saying it’s unlikely?
Dr. Judith Stern: It’s unlikely. You really have to exercise a whole lot, and also you have to eat less.
GameSpy: But starting an exercise routine based around Wii Fit or integrating it into your existing exercise routine could help, no?
Dr. Judith Stern: Well, I don’t think it will help you at all with BMI, but it may help you be a bit healthier. I don’t think you’ll see changes in BMI. Certainly with a lot of women, they want to see changes in BMI. They want to see BMI go down, and this won’t do that.
Even worse, the BMI doesn’t take into account height, sex, or, more importantly, age, especially in the fact that it’ll accuse someone of being fat when they aren’t.
GameSpy: One of the most important concerns we have with the game is regarding the terminology and very blunt approach that the game uses. According to a message board post from a European Wii Fit owner, a step-father’s ten-year old daughter was told by Wii Fit that she was overweight. According to him, “she was devastated to be called fat and we had to work hard to convince her she isn’t.”
Dr. Judith Stern: You’re absolutely, totally right. You don’t tell kids that they’re overweight. In fact, pediatricians don’t use the word obese for kids. The word that they use for overweight really means obese. This can have such a negative effect on young girls especially, that they can focus on eating and develop eating disorders.
Anyway, why in the world would you have a kid doing such a light workout on a video game instead of exercising outside (and make them eat healthy, which Wii Fit can’t do.)
Enjoy this video.
May 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I’m sorry, but I’ve seen kids that are larger than six grown adults in this country. THEY ARE OVERWEIGHT. If they don’t know it, then there is definitely something wrong on the parental side of the situation.
Perhaps we need to tell the parents? Then again, normally when I see a child that easily outweighs me, my wife, my son and my daughter their parents are two times the size of the children as it “runs in the family”
The problem with the overweight issues in our children start when we’re young. Not every grown adult was thin and trim and blew up like a balloon in their thirties (although college sure didn’t help me in the weight area!)
If you’re buying Wii fit as a weight loss substitute, you’re probably going to have more luck with the weight losing scams on “as seen on TV.”
May 25th, 2008 at 11:23 am
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May 25th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
That’s NOT the point, Derrick. For one, you might notice that that girl was NOT overweight and NOT American.
Furthermore, promising weight loss when it can’t deliver isn’t going to help the situation - if anything, it’ll exarcerbate it when they’re inside doing iso exercises when they should be OUTSIDE playing strenuous, fat-burning activity.
May 26th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
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May 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Hmm…Actually, BMI is calculated by height and weight so I’m having a hard time understanding how it doesn’t take those factors into account.
And generally, the recommended BMI is adjusted for gender.
The critical component that it doesn’t consider is body composition. So a very muscular person may be considered overweight when they’re not.
Who wrote that part anyway? I hope it wasn’t the nutritionist.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Read the article by the health expert.
Question: if you do one minute isometric exercises, how much energy do you burn?
May 30th, 2008 at 3:01 am
I think Wii Fit is AWESOME! Face it AMERICANS for the most part are overweight & kids nowadays are fat due to eating habits, chemicals, fillers & such in our foods & lack of exercise. I congradulate Nintendo for making an interactive video game that helps address this growing problem. People need to stop worrying about this Wii Fit telling their kids that they are overweight. Truth is better than denial!
May 30th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Who are these people, and can they read? The girl is BRITISH. Sheesh. As for Americans (and others) - of course Wii Fit is attractive to them - it’ll make them think they can lose weight without sweating.
May 31st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Ok, so I have ran 5 miles a day. I got the wii fit for fun, but I end up sweating just as much as I do when I run. I’ve had it for 3 weeks and I have consistently lost 2 more pounds a week than I was before. Anyway you look at it, doing something, ANYTHING, is better than sitting on the floor playing video games or watching tv. Americans may be per capita fatter than British people, but not everyone there is super skinny. There are fat people everywhere. I think that is beside the point. Anyway, have you ever actually tried to get a kid to exercise. It’s impossible. I would much rather my child “exercise” with a video game than eat a bag of chips on the couch. The wii fit gives great easy to understand tips for children, too. It told my friend that came over last week and it told him he was obese. I would have never said that to him, but bet he didn’t loose 3 pounds this week. He started working out with me. It helps you get motivated. It’s better than sitting on your but.
May 31st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
So, instead of playing with an actual hula hoop, you’d rather he do it virtually?
Even better - there’s a soccer sim in the game in which you bounce virtual balls off his head.
That’s better than having him play ACTUAL SOCCER?!
June 1st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
It’s a better alternative than not going out at all.
June 1st, 2008 at 9:45 pm
It is better than doing nothing at all. Like I said, maybe your kid doesn’t want to play real soccer. And have you tried the hula hoop game. Im up to ten minuets each time, and I easily work out harder doing that than being on an elliptical. The games are there to entice you to play. The workout programs are what I am talking about being very good for you.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I’ve been using Wii Fit for 1 week, and have lost 3 pounds. Most of this is diet, but the Wii Fit and the diet full both things.
In answer to “would you rather a kid virtually hula versus real hula,” I think that is really lame logic, and also a bit of out touch with the world that kids live in today, or even for the last 30 years. I’m 36 now, and when I was a kid, I was a bean pole, but had my metabolism been different, I would have been yet another fat american, cause all I did was play Atari 2600. I wasn’t an athletic kid, but I had made video game skills, was competitive with that, and it certainly gave me some self confidence to be able to beat the jockier kids at least at something.
Kids will be kids, games aren’t going away, and interviewing experts about wii who give it a big thumbs down will continue as well, cause these experts don’t like that someone could find a way to get fit without investing money in personal trainers, gym memberships and diet books.
I have used wii for 45 minutes (really 1:15 when you account for the games lame menu changing requirements). I’ve sweated very day, and I don’t sweat….EVER. So, how isn’t this thing amazing.
It’s exercise with a narrative. What’s not to like.
June 5th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I’ve had my Wii fit for less than a week and I’ve already lost 3 pounds. I bought it for fun, but I noticed that it motivates me to want to exercise and go outside and do more than sit in front of the tv. I don’t think Nintendo was tryin to break out this huge weight loss scam, I think they’re tryin to help with the obvious problem with kids these days. Its a basic way of teaching someone how to get into the routine of exercising, which alot of kids need because they don’t know that exercising is something they need to do every day. I don’t think these people need to be putting down Nintendo, put down McDonalds and Burger King and parents that fill their kids up with fatty food and don’t take them outside and play ball with them like they used to do in the good old days.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
my dad bought wii fit the other day and the idea of it is just genius! alot of argument as to why kids are so obese in todays society lies in the fact that they spend so much time on computer games..arguably one could say wii fit is merely encouraging kids to stay at home playing the game instead of going outside and playing a real game/sport, but the point is given the option, kids are more likely to stay at home anyways playing computer games anways - hense it being one of the most commonly used arguments for the cause of child obeseity.
So if we can’t get the kids to stop playing the computer games some engage in some form of physical activity, whats wrong with incorporating some physical activity into the computer games we can’t get them off in the first place?
- if we can’t beat them, decieve them
i just turned 18 myself and i think its great!
Because i found the virtual games so enjoyable, it really did encourage me to take up exercising more regularly (as i’m a completely lazy person with a particular dislike for my body to be engaged in anything strenuous) because it brought out the fun it in.
The game really does put the fun (if it ever was) back into exercising. The more you enjoy something the more you’d want to do it; the more exercise u engage in, the more weight you loose.
The game isn’t a subsitute for ‘real’ exercise/ physical activity, its merely an alternative for those who revise to engage in any ‘real’ exercise/physical activity at all.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Or, you can force them to go out and not let them come back in.
June 8th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Yeah, Wii Fit DOES! help you lose weight, or keep extra fat off. Even though the minigames that the Wii Fit have are not really the best exercises, it moreorless inspires overweight/obese kids/adults to lower there BMI. Once they lower there bmi into a healthy weight range, therefor ‘beating’ the game. I haven’t gotten it yet, but i’ve looked into it, and really, being ‘obese’, this -game- will help me keep track and have fun while losing weight.
June 8th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
No, it does not. If you keep the same diet and use WiiFit instead of cardiovascular exercise, you’ll actually gain weight.
Listen to the professor who specializes in fitness, not a VIDEO GAME COMPANY. (rolling eyes)
June 8th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Riiight, so youre saying that if you keep the same exact diet and use wii fit instead of not doing anything you’ll GAIN WEIGHT?! are you joking? i havnt changed my diet and i have wii fit, and ive lost 3 pounds in 2 weeks. ive maintained the same weight for years. in the morning i feel my muscles are sore…(more so at the beginning). your logic makes no sense. the point is, this game isnt for “professors who specialize in fitness” its for people like me, who are lazy. ive never worked out a day in my life. now im moving because of a video game. there is nothing wrong with that. in fact, it’s good.
June 8th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Absolutely not. I said doing WiiFit instead of useful exercise, like telling your kids to go out and play.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Looking at my wii fit box, I don’t see anything that says “we promise you will lose weight.” So, I’m not sure why people are so upset that nintendo is making this claim. They aren’t.
Wii fit is intended to make you more aware of your body. For instance, I discovered that when I stand straight, I lean a bit to the left. Wii fit encourages you to work toward goals and improve your health. If you are overweight, it may encourage you to lower your BMI, but it doesn’t promise results.
Wii fit is simply another tool available. Some people enjoy running. Some people enjoy salsa dancing. Some people enjoy virtual hoola hooping. All three require you to put effort into it to get your heart pumping and make you sweat. It is a matter of preference.
And no, wii fit is not a substitute for a child riding a bike or playing soccer. Again, nintendo doesn’t make that claim. But, in my opinion, it is certainly a healthier alternative to grand theft auto or medal of honor (only examples).
June 13th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I bet Jonah burnt enough calories just putting down the Wii Fit. Personally I don’t understand the mentality of trying to cure mii. Hey at least he got a few miles jogging his brain.
[Hey, Ben, it's the Nintendo Defense Task Force! Help! - Jonah Falcon]
June 15th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
If i had kids; i know i’d want them to be outside playing football/soccer…whatever. But when its raining, the Nintendo wii is a great way to keep them active! I mean…do you want them sitting inside playing PS3 or playing sports on the Nintendo Wii?! If you can get your kids outside; great. Go for it. If not, at least this is a way of motivating the children to actually enjoy exercise rather than detest it.
And besides, its not just kids taking advantage of the Wii. Its great for all the family; whether for fun or help to keep you active.
June 15th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Wii is relatively new, and therefore a new adventure. My husband bought this for me as a surprise. I have taken exercise classes, aerobics, ti chi, and even joined a shared ladies gym. (which was very expensive,and half the time, not enough equipment was available due to crowds). I can stay home,use wii rain or shine,in the privacy of my own home. Whether or not I’m actually losing, I’m using. I’m moving, I’m getting more energetic, I’m motivated to do so. And I encourage myself to take the challenge of beating the wii’s BMI. Therefore, I continue to move, and enjoy the results of my efforts no matter how small. Some is always better than none. And to anyone else out there who would consider this purchase, I would recommend it and also its cheaper than the gym and is not your only alternative to weight lose. And it is FUN. To those of you that do have it, ENJOY, and stay home and save gas. “Smiles to All”
June 16th, 2008 at 10:24 am
you know what, kids are kids, and i think EVERYONE can admit, these last few generations have to be the laziest of them all! getting your kids to play outside is step 2, at least for the generations to come. take the damn wii outside if thats the problem. getting kids off the couch period was hard enough before the wii. it is not a substitute for “proper” excersize ANY human should get, but neither is the gym. all its doing is putting movement into non-static beings such as ourselves. i HATE video games, im 23 years old and do not understand the concept of them. i own a wii, i never play it. the only games i do play is the wii sports that came with it. i cant wait to get wii fit, i think its a fantastic concept, and you kow what, maybe when all the kids are used to moving again, they WILL go outside a bit more than usual. we cant change habit, but we cant knock down something for trying.
June 16th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Forcing kids to go outside and not letting them come back in??? I don’t know where you live, but in my neighborhood that is not a good idea and neither is it safe. I played outside allot as a kid, but that was 30 years ago. Today, it is a very different story. We take our little girl for walks all the time and she loves the outside. My point is, getting our kids to love the outdoors is a family effort, and some people don’t have that time or lifestyle. Locking kids out the house and leaving them out on the street by themselves…bad idea.
June 16th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I live in NYC. Trust me - there’s plenty of safe places for kids to play. For example, THE COMMUNITY CENTER.
Little League sports, including police athletic leagues.
How about the backyard if you’re in the suburbs?
And if you don’t have time to accompany your kids to the park, there’s the Big Brother Program.
Give me a break.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Honestly Jonah, why are fighting this issue so hard? It seems to me by reading all these posts, that it’s you against the virtual world. Okay, so you have a doctor on your side, but have you even read all of these entries? Just because Dr. Stern said that it is ‘unlikely’, it doesn’t mean it COULDN’T be accomplished- the act of losing weight, no matter how small, by this videogame. And don’t you agree that instead of doing nothing, that Wii Fit would be good for people, if just to get them moving a little? It’s definitely not the worst thing I’VE ever heard of.
June 18th, 2008 at 12:16 am
LOL Love that comment. Why fight it? Nintendo says so, therefore it must be. I’m sure Nintendo has your best interests at heart. (laugh)
Wow.
June 18th, 2008 at 1:05 am
I have a Wii fit and I really enjoy it. My family has owned weightloss centers my whole life and I have always been very interested in fitness and I think this game is great. I think it is really funny that people are getting so angry about a video game that is at least making an attempt to educate people about how to be healthy. I think there must be a lot of people on here commenting who have not even seen what is actually in the game… Most people are not doing lunges and push ups and squats every day on there own, if the Wii Fit gets people to start you really think that that is not going to change peoples bodies? It never claims to be a magic pill, but it does teach you about combining strength training, cardio, balance, and flexibility excersizes to have a well rounded fitness program. It tracks your progress and it also has room to add excersizes like tennis or basketball into your chart suggesting that you should do other things as well. If you want to get all riled up about a video game go attack Grand Theft Auto or something, attacking the Wii Fit seems so ridiculous to me… it is the first of it’s kind and it is heading in a wonderful direction so please give it a rest already…
June 20th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Hi,
My name is Federico and I live in Japan. I have been using wii fit for a month now and lost 4kg!!! Sure I watch what I eat too but thats a given if you want to lose weight. Now one thing I want to tell you about Japan, their standar of weight is totally different from abroad. I am 180cm tall and they told me my ideal weight is 65kg which is totally unhealthy for me. Their body build is completly different and even if in your home country you may be consider fit here you may be overweight. I happens to me a lot of times, going back home and feeling great and coming here and feeling huge and fat. Well the point I am trying to make is that maybe nintendo did not standarized the game and are selling the same as the japanese version. Hope this helps…
June 20th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
No, it doesn’t.
1. Anecdotal evidence is not proof
2. What are you doing aside from WiiFit?
WiiFit is not exercise that results in fat burning.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Saying wii fit isn’t going to help anything is ridiculous. Kids just want to sit around eat and play video games all day and this is a perfect way to get them to like exercise. When i bought this i wasn’t expecting to lose weight or anything i just thought it would be fun. Turns out it totally motivates me to want to exercise and eat healthier because i can actually watch the results with the bmi graph and what-not. I’ve lost 8 pounds in the past month thanks to it. How dare anyone try to say this won’t help kids today.
June 21st, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I have been using wii fit for a while now and I have to say the results are surprisingly good. If you work out hard for 2 hours a day on that thing at your own pace you’ll lose weight along with a good diet and cross training. It does actually work, you just need to really push yourself.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I agree! HOW DARE anyone say it doesnt help people!
Its obviously helped motivate alot of people to get up of their butts and get fit! I know its certainly helped me and Ive lost weight with it too! It makes being active fun and you cant tell me that it doesnt burn any fat!
Congrats Nintendo on creating something thats so much fun and gets us all moving!
My kids love it too and we play it all together as a family and compete with each other, there are alot of laughs as we watch each other..
My daughter is overweight and instead of sitting down in front of the tv, she just loves getting up and playing hoola hoop or the step game and it keeps her going, to try and compete with her brothers or Mum and Dad! Its a fantastic idea and Jonah doesnt have a clue what he’s talking about!!
Yes, its great for kids to exercise outdoors, but that isnt always going to happen and wii fit encourages them to get up and have some fun while indoors instead of sitting down on their butts!
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Yeah, because Lord knows, a $3 Hula Hoop which requires real movement and energy isn’t as good as a virtual hula hoop, right?
Read the article - take your debate up with a real health professional.
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I suspect all of you guys who are so adamantly against Wii Fit haven’t tried it. If that’s the case, why not reserve your judgment until you have?
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:10 am
I have, thanks. And you’re missing the issue here - take it up with THE RENOWNED HEALTH EXPERT.
June 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
i think Wii Fit is too wimmpy compared with exercise at a gym.
For fat people that never workout or exercise at any gym before, no wonder why the result of using Wii Fit is surprisingly for them. Because they just started to move their big fat asses to do something else expect eating for the first time!
June 26th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Just to sum up the argument:
Those commenting are saying that using Wii Fit, in place of playing static computer or video games (NOT cardiovascular exercise), is likely to make the user more healthy. Judith Stern even seems to agree with this (though I’m skeptical that she has used the Wii Fit).
Stern’s issue is with the Wii Fit’s use of BMI as an indicator of health. Indeed, this is a flaw, as using BMI in real life is hardly accurate.
Jonah is dodging the argument–he is comparing using the Wii Fit to cardiovascular exercise, which is not the issue. Anybody knows that running outside is a more effective exercise than using the Wii Fit.
It is unlikely that the Wii Fit is taking kids who normally play outside indoors, so Jonah’s argument is irrelevant to the issue. What’s wrong with getting kids (or adults, for that matter) who don’t exercise outside to at least exercise indoors?
June 27th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
ok so i don’t understand how jonah doesnt think this wii will work. there is yoga on it which i will tell ya really makes my muscles stretch. i can feel them burning. there is also strength exercises which do improve my muscles, why would push ups off the wii work better than on the wii. there is also jogging which whether you are inside or out works just the same, it gets my heart going as well as my sons. the balance games may not be the best workout but i can still feel my muscles working and they get my kids moving as well. anybody who says this wii is not an exercise that gets your heart pumping has clearly not tried it for themselves. try it for a few weeks and then tell me it doesnt work.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
hey jonah, you starting to sound like a bitter little kid. relax.. try doing some of the yoga exercises on the wii fit. it may help.
June 28th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Talk to Judith Stern.
June 29th, 2008 at 3:18 am
Jonah.
Do you have children?
You can’t just lock your kids outside. It’s 2008, not 1964. Be serious! It’s barely safe for kids to ride their bikes out these days. Some kids aren’t athletic. Some kids don’t do well in sports. People don’t Hula Hoop anymore!? Come On!
Kids are going to play video games.
That is what they like.
Why bash the one that is actually engaging physical activity in with the game?!
Wii Fit is more safe in many different aspects and more fun for the kids.
June 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am
More logical fallacies.
I’m not going to discuss this any more with Nintendo Sock Puppets. The facts are laid out by Dr. Judith Stern, and those facts are basically irrefutable.
One last thing: Nintendo has no interest in health - it’s a corporation and wants to make money.
http://www.gamestooge.com/2008/05/08/zero-punctuation-reviews-fanboys/
June 29th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I’ve had Wii Fit for a while, and I love it! Jonah, the fact about using a virtual Hoola Hoop….is that it’s VIRTUAL which makes it more fun than using a real one.
You need to get some stress out on Wii Fits Boxing game. 
July 8th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
your “expert” is an idiot. or your interpretation of what she is saying is misleading.
first off, what she is saying about BMI and how it’s not taking things into consideration basically account for really fit people or really obese people and certain ethnicities. the ethnicity thing is an exception to a majority rule. if you are athletic then you already know the rules about BMI, i would assume. if you are obese, you don’t need anything but a mirror to tell you that. it also doesn’t really apply to kids but it says it doesn’t! if you read anything about BMIs you know this already!!! (i bought a freaking scale that measured it and it told me all about these exceptions too! it’s not hard information to find!)
i can’t really speak for the fit yet, i just bought it a couple of hours ago and haven’t used it. but i have been using the wii sports disc. i was sweating when i was playing that. the next day i was super sore and could barely move. when i first started working out back in the day, these were similar symptoms afterwards. the key to losing weight is to keep your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes… that heart rate range varies for people depending on your resting heart rate. about 140 is an average/medium heart rate to shoot for to lose weight. 140 - 165 is good for me. and from my understanding this game includes cardio activities. so what is the problem here?
oh right, the good doctor was just so excited to spread her expertise that she forgot to put it into context of usefulness?
and i’m sorry, but does anyone really think this is targeting kids? do we STILL think video games are for kids?? YOU gimme me a break! this is clearly for adults.
July 10th, 2008 at 12:36 am
I want to know how much Dr. Stern is paying Jonah to stick up for her really bad data collecting on this issue. Also, how badly was Jonah made fun of growing up for him to be this cynical. I know that living in NYC, I’d rather be working out with my fit, than running around in that mess.
Duh, Jonah, Nintendo wants our money, who doesn’t? So do gyms and Nike and Boflex, and tons of other companies. Guess what I invested in? The fit…and that is going to help me more than any other option available to me. Does running and jumping and hula hooping outside (because I’m for some reason locked out of my own home) going to help me loose weight, yeah, will they help me with strength, and learn balance and yoga and help me watch my goals…NO.
Jonah, Dr. Stern and all skeptics, please! SHUT UP! Wii don’t want to hear it.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:25 am
I have the Wii fit and me and my kids love playing on it when its raining because we can still have fun and move about, we spend alot of time outdoors but cant always get outside so the Wii is a good alternative to stop us just becoming couch potatoes!
July 10th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Enjoy the video.
July 11th, 2008 at 5:27 am
I just had to add my twopeneth here! I have suffered with Fibromyalgia since I was 15 (22 years) and I try and stay as active as my body lets me as any weight I put on does make my muscles hurt more. I have tried jogging, going to the gym etc. all of which are okay for a while in small doses, but I am limited to what I can do so they dont last long. I have recently got a Nintendo Wii and the Wii Fit and I have to admit it is brilliant. It allows me to do things at my own pace and I have lost weight and more importantly for me (as I am not overweight) it has helped me tone up and keep supple! I find that I can do this for 1-2 hours a day and although I certainly work up a sweat and get out of breath, some of the activities do not make my muscles suffer as much as other high impact aerobics do.
I dont understand why certain people are being so negative about it. My husband runs marathons, does weight lifting is ex military and extremely fit running approximately 10 miles every day and even he loves the Wii. He actually sweats, gets out of breath and sometimes aches after doing some of the muscle programmes (like he has been doing weight lifting) and we are both adamant that with a healthy diet etc. (and that is important because it wont do it on its own) you could see results.
We actually bought the Nintendo Wii for my husbands children initially as they just seem to want sit and play their DS or Playstation in the rubbish weather. This seriously gets them excited and they really enjoy competing against each others to get the best scores. They also look forward to trying to better their scores each day. Whatever anyone thinks, to me something that makes kids get out of breath when the weather is rubbish and they wont go outside and would only be sat watching TV or playing other computer games can only be a good thing.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I purchased WiiFit about 5 days ago and must admit that I am finding very good results with it. I don’t quite understand why the nutritionist would say the game doesn’t take into account your height and age when, in fact, the game requires you to enter those factors before you begin. I started eating less calories (from somewhere around 3200 to 2200) and becoming more active (running at least 2.5 miles 5 days a week and lifting weights) and the game has become a huge inspiration to stay on track.
I take my “body test” daily at the same time and can take into account how much weight I have lost each day! I wouldn’t go so far as to say the game will help you lose weight, but it can help you become aware of your weight hence making you more conscientious about how active you really are each day. Right there in graph format I can see which days I have been less active (I always log my jogs) and can see a visual correlation between daily activity and my weight/BMI (duh).
I had only done about 30 minutes of yoga in my life before wii fit, now I am doing at least 30 minutes a day and am excited to see a difference in my posture. I have also been completing as many strength exercises on the game as my work schedule will allot. I don’t do the games aerobics too much, but find myself sweating after Hula-Hoop and super hula-hoop as I try to best my last score each time I play. This game is a great asset, but will not be your weight loss answer. healthy diet and cardio are your best bet as always–but i can not stress enough how much this game continues to motivate me and challenge me to become more and more active each day. I’m proud to say I take part in yoga each and every day and will contine to see results in my bmi and my posture.
July 12th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
(http://hallmedia.com/blog/2008/06/25/hello-world/)
1. Dr. Judith Stern has a doctorates degree in nutrition and is a professor, that is different then being an actual MD.
2. If she is a creditable “expert” she would go about this using the scientific method. Form a hypothesis, conduct several experiments, and conclude on her data before contradicting everyone else.
Mickey DeLorenzo DID all of those things and lost 15 pounds, his BMI went down 2 points, 3 inches went off his waist, and his heart rate went down. He did Wii fit for about 30 minutes to an hour a day for a little over a month.
He controlled his experiment by now changing his lifestyle or eating habits at all. His data is valid and double checked on other methods of measuring other then the wii balance board.
I’ve done wii fit for about a week now and it says I have lost 3 pounds. The scale at Publix says I’ve lost 4, so I can conclude on about 3.5. I haven’t changed my eating habits or lifestyle either.
The point is “experts” may say what they want, but true scientific data is much more accurate.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Let me just say this, I am happy that my husband and i have purchased the WII. For the people who dog this console, ill say this; TAKE THE STICK OUT OF YOUR BUT AND SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE, PLEASE. I love WII sports and I’m going to get Fit this Weekend. I played the Boxing game and i swear my shirt was wet like someone threw water on me and it was fun! I played with that game for an hour and that’s not including tennis and bowling which gets me breathing a little bit more heavier as well. The bigger picture is to get people up and moving. I have to say that i am very self conscious and this is great for me. I do hope to loose weight using this as fun though! For me i see this as a stepping stone to where i want to be. Playing these games are a form of exercise because you are moving your body! To be honest, i plan on walking for 30 mins a day and doing an hour of WII a day as well. along with a 1900 calorie intake, ill keep you all posted.
Is there a weight requirement for the WII Fit Bored?
July 27th, 2008 at 3:23 am
You can take your “Professional Nutritionist” BS and shove it up your hole! If your kid comes up to you and asks if they’re fat to you and you lie about it, they’ll never know the real truth. would you rather lie to your kids and watch them grow fatter and fatter having them think their at a perfect weight level only to find out they die at an early age of a HEART ATTACK! or are you gonna wise up, give you kids some tough love and go tell them to lose some pounds! Wii fit really motivates people to get active. in fact I invested some money on some roller blades and I use it evey time I go to work (I work near the beach and it great skating by the ocean) and its all thanks to the motivation of a VIDEO GAME Wii fit! WHO SAYS GAMES ARE A WAIST OF TIME…oh thats right…the “PROFFESIONALS” BAH!
its hard for some kids to do sports..why you ask…its because people like Jocks, and bullies who make fun of others saying they’re too fat to work-out or be on their team because they suck. It’s people like them that have kids turn away from playing team sports. Motivation can be the first step to a happy healthy lifestyle. for those of you who own wii fit. Good luck and lead healthier lives
July 27th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Wow, I don’t even have to talk. You guys are proving her and my point just by talking.
July 30th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Jonah,
I think that it is truly very sad that you have expanded so much energy fighting dozens upon dozens of people on the benefits of Wii Fit.
Since May 25th you have posted almost 20 anti-Wii remarks and fought countless people on the subject. You most likely spent on average anywhere from 15-30 minutes formulating each of your “grudge match” posts. Now, if you had taken that 30 minutes every time & spent it - not on the Wii - but on any other type of physical activity - chances are you would be getting fitter or at least expend some of that nasty toxic build-up of “you against the world” mentality that you have.
And lets not even go into your obvious self-esteem issues. Whatever your relationship is with Dr. Stern (whose distinction is academic not medical) I think you would be best served to seek some professional help about this unhealthy “knight in shining armour” avatar you’ve developed for yourself.
I’m a scientist. Rule #1 of being a scientist OF ANY KIND is what’s called “the Scientific Method”. Crack open a book dear & you’ll understand what I’m talking about. I won’t go into details because one of the other posts here explains the steps but I thought I would help you out a bit by giving you a linked site to check on the “Steps of the Scientific Method”. Once you’ve established what these steps are, I think that you will find that Dr. Stern has NOT in any way, shape or form even come close to attempting the Scientific Method.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_scientific_method.shtml
I don’t think anyone disagrees with you about doing the actual exercise as opposed to a virtual one but what I don’t understand is why you’re fighting the fact that people are at least just doing SOMETHING apart from being lazy & fat. I’m not going to repeat the same comments that others have posted here - clearly you’re not listening to or reading what others have to say.
So, having said that - I hope you enjoy the toxicity that is building up in your body from all this negativity. Maybe the good doctor can help you with that as well?
Good luck in all your future endeavours Jonah - I truly do wish you all the best.
August 1st, 2008 at 1:10 am
Do any of you people have children that are overweight??? Try to get a self-concious overweight 12yr old to go out and play soccer or run a couple miles… no deal. All you do is get that child made fun of even more and a little more self-concious. So lay off the fact that this isn’t the “end-all-be-all” for weight loss and take it for what it’s worth. It is a tool to get them to at least get up, MOVE, and have some fun while doing it. It is sad that so many children are overweight, but quit looking at it like all of these parents are shoving twinkies down these kids’ throats and look at the fact that most of these parents work and kids have to stay inside alot because of that fact, and then add to that the fact that there is no physical education in most schools anymore and the lunches are chicken nuggets….but hell, lets shit all over Nintendo for trying to do their little part. Kudos to you all who live in your perfect little world!
August 1st, 2008 at 3:37 am
I have had my Wii fit for 7 days and have already lost 7.5 lbs, without changing my eating habits.
August 1st, 2008 at 3:57 am
I’d like to say that most of these comments are coming from the same ISP (SBC Internet Services) from the same general Bay Area in California.
This is what’s known as a Sock Puppet Attack.
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Jonah…just out of curiosity, do you have a job, friends, a social life of any kind? Or are you one of those 45 year olds that still lives in his mother’s basement and plays Halo 3 with 13 year olds?
As for where most of these posts come from I fail to see the relevance of that. Again, look how much energy and time you’ve expended searching for the ISP’s of people’s posts. Which, may I add, is illegal. And the reason I know this is because I’m a Forensic Investigator and I work for the government - so lay off the attacks Jonah.
Get yourself a physical activity - of any kind. Get outside (because we know how you feel about the Wii Fit) and get all this toxicity out of your system. You really are a sad little man if all you do is sit on this site & bitch people out for wanting to do something that’s only going to, at the very least, make them feel better about looking at themselves in the mirror.
Grow up.
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Ah. Ad hominem abusive. The last resort for someone losing an argument.
August 2nd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I LOVE my wii fit. My friend comes over 5 days a week and we work out for 30 minutes each. Some of these exercises are hard. I get my heart rate up, I sweat and by the time I’m done I’m exhausted. She gets weighed once a month by a doctor, and on those days her weight on the wii fit is the same as it is on the scale in the doctors office. So its a pretty accurate scale. As far as BMI, well you input your height and age and you choose a mii (which has your gender) so it takes all of those into account. Also when you first start on it, it gives you some info about BMI and how its not completely accurate. Its not a trick, or a scam. It works. I haven’t changes my diet and I’ve lost weight. Oh and BTW I don’t live in California so don’t try and call me a sock puppet.
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Typical. Some ivory tower academic wants to sit a throw aspersions at a game I doubt she has even played.
If things aren’t up to her standards, well then they just must be useless, right? Give me a break. Fact is this thing gets lazy people like me up and moving, and yes sweating and straining through the more vigorous exercises.
It is a perfect tool to help someone get in shape, and really great for people who are so turned off by pompous fitness “professionals” that they would probably never excercise otherwise.
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Yeah, what would someone who has real-world experience in this field know? Stupid rulez!
August 4th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I concur with most of the pro wii fit comments made here. Its an awesome game and really does get your heart rate going, plus its a good workout.
Getting outside to workout is great and I’ve been running for years, but it can get boring and monotonous from time to time. The wii fit is a different angle on exercise thats fun and can really keep you motivated. I’m all for it!
The dude that keeps posting negative/nonchalant comments just thrives on anybody that reacts negatively to his posts. One person is not the end all be all on medical info. The proof is in the people who actually see results.
Wii Fit = awesome, fun and effective.
oh, and i’m not posting from the Bay Area but i do like sock puppets.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
“Even worse, the BMI doesn’t take into account height, sex, or, more importantly, age, especially in the fact that it’ll accuse someone of being fat when they aren’t.”
First off, I dont know if the doctor or who wrote that in the interview said that, but that is incorrect. It does take into your height, weight, and sex. Some are arguing with that when it is inaccurate information that was given in the interview lol.
Second of all, I saw a comment on not working with really muscular people. The manual that comes with the wii fit tells you that it may not b accurate for them as well with children.
Thrid of all, I bought the wii fit for me and my daughter. I havent had it long enough to actually see a change in weight, but where I live it gets up to 100 degrees in the summer and down to 40 below in the winters. My kid is not going outside to play when the weather is like that. Also she plays softball and soccer. Those sports go for 2 months not all year long. I live in an apartment where my daughter can not go outside alone. I work full time and go to school fulltime. As a parent there is just some days I am too busy to go outside and play. I think the wii fit is excellent. I feel my muscles burn and I swear from using it. That tells me it is doing something for me. I use it an hour a day if not more. I dont feel no one has a right to judge on any of this. If this is what makes a person feel better and help them with whatever they want wheter it be losing weight or toning up. That is awesome! People have said they lost weight from the wii fit and I value what they have to say more over someone who says differently who has never tried it.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Just have to say im down 28 pounds in 47 days just watching what i eat and the only excercise is 30 minutes a day on my Wii fit. So to say it wont help you lose weight is just wrong.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
What’s with everyone having free email accounts and having ISP’s in the Bay Area?
August 6th, 2008 at 1:39 am
I think the Wii fit is great. I agree with most of the comments that it is better than sitting down doing absolutely nothing at all. I think that the Wii and wii fit can easily become a “gateway” to more strenious works outs For example, my husband and I love playing golf baseball and golf we now own an old golf set, boxing gloves, and baseballs and bats, we actulaly go out and play these things becasue it was so much fun on the machine. I fell in love with the yoga and now i am a member at a local health club. No one would be griping if xbox would have come out with a new killing game, leave wii and the wii fit alone!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I don’t know if it’s because I just got mine last week or not, but on one of the manuals that came with the Wii Fit, it said that the BMI measurements will be off for anyone UNDER 20 years old.
And for the most part, I’m in love with mine. It’s been just over a week, and I’m already down 3 pounds.
For the people that are going on about how it’s not the same as going out and playing a real soccer game or running a mile, you’re right, BUT at the same time, it’s better than doing nothing but stuffing your face with potato chips while watching t.v or playing a game. With about 30% of the US population overweight or obese, I think this is the perfect thing to at least get some kids off their butts and doing some kind of physical activity, no matter how insignificant.
The thing I notice when using Wii Fit is that it makes me want to get back in shape, and not only that, but it makes me want to do more than just use the Wii Fit to help me get back in shape. So good job Nintendo. I find myself sweating just as much using an interactive trainer than I would going to the gym and working out for an hour.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I THINK HE’S JUST UPSET BECAUSE HE CAN’T AFFORD IT
August 11th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Wii fit is AWESOMMME!
Dear Jonah you might be interested in this..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0
August 12th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Many points made are valid to some degree. The argument made by Dr. Stern is an issue though to me. I am going to assume that she may in fact be an MD being that she is an Internal Medicine professor. Yes, BMI is flawed with very specific demographics, but claiming that using BMI is a poor choice is very odd to hear from a doctor. If she is a MD she should understand that BMI is still the standard measurement used to judge obesity. Take for example weight loss surgery. Most surgeons and pretty much all insurance companies require that a patient have a BMI greater then 40 without pre-existing conditions and greater then 35 with certain co-morbidities. If BMI is the worst measurement to use I really feel that other measurements would be used in healthcare.
Actually, most measurements of fat are flawed either via a generic formula (BMI) or through human error in measurements (Skin Fold). The most accurate measurement of fat is through using water and measuring displacement, however not everyone has access to this type of measurement. Therefore the most readily available measurement of fat is BMI, and for the most part it is a pretty good guide.
I am not even going to address the issues of measuring visceral vs. subcutaneous fat, as that is a whole different ball game.
In the end there are a couple facts one needs to look at:
1. Exercise on the Wii Fit WILL help to some extent. Getting your heart rate up to an optimal level for a sustained time will burn more calories.
2. Wii Fit exercise is better then NO exercise.
3. Expecting to lose 5, 10, 15, or 20 years of weight gain in a matter of weeks or months by only using the Wii Fit is foolish at best.
The way I see it is that one should use the Wii Fit in conjunction with a lowered calorie diet and with other exercises. Perhaps using the Wii Fit on off days to keep you in the exercise habit might be a great idea.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:31 am
2. Wii Fit exercise is better then NO exercise.
That begs the question: why have a kid play a virtual hula hoop or pretend to bounce soccer balls off their head instead of buying the $4 hula hoop or enroll them in real Pee Wee soccer?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Quote from Jonah:
1. Anecdotal evidence is not proof
——————————
Errr…as someone who is finishing up her PhD in Science, specifically in Medicine- you just gave a statement in an oxymoronic fashion (evidence is not proof??- helllooooooo- you just called it evidence yourself!). Qualitative data (telling the experience) has used around for years. Sure, one version of story telling may not meet research standards but on the other hand, an “aggregate” of stories (listed year) can represent qualitative data that can and has been used in research.
Bottom line- *any* sort of movement, will help your body and you burn calories. Inside or outside. Wii or non-wii.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Anecdotal evidence is NOT PROOF.
http://www.skepdic.com/testimon.html
August 13th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I have had the wii fit for a little while and i love it. It is winter and freezing here in Melbourne (no i am not a sock puppet from the same place as everyone else)so dragging myself to the gym between uni and work is very time consuming and difficult.
Whilst I am not loosing massive amounts of weight I am however using muscles I usually do not and becomming more health conscious. I love the idea that nintendo is looking at health issues which are affecting so many people today and rising to the challenge of meeting the growing demand for healthier lifestyles.
I don’t know why certain people think it is a bad thing. Maybe some kids need to be told they are in the overweight health range so they are more conscious of this and attempt to do something about it.
It’s pumping out endorphins in my body and making me feel great so really I have nothing to complain about. My friends who are quite muscular and fit enjoy playing it, build up quite a sweat and just laugh when it tells they are overweight. Look at the positives not just the negatives and do yourself a favour
August 16th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I’ve had wii fit for a good two months or so now, and while I may not have lost weight, I have lost inches.
I think it’s a bit retarded for you people (namely one person in particular) to sit here and try to tell us we’re not seeing SOME kind of result, when in fact, they are not sitting right next to us to see that “yes indeed we are not lying and have seen some kind of result using Wii Fit”.
So I guess I’m saying, unless you have proof (and no I don’t mean believing what you read by a professional) that something doesn’t work, then shut your mouth.
Jonah, say what you want, but I’m not checking back on this board to see if you’re ranting back at me. You may not have seen results if you’ve tried it, but some of us have. And if you haven’t tried it, then shut your flipping mouth. You have no grounds to make your claims (and we’re sick of hearing “Listen to Dr. Stern”.)
Just saying. I’ve seen results, and have gone down 2 pants sizes just eating healthy and using Wii fit for 30 minutes 5 days a week.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Hey Jonah, why are you such a [censored] to the contributors on this page? I’m sure all of the sarcasm and eye-rolling is getting you a lot of fans.
Btw, I’ve been doing Wii fit for three weeks and I’ve lost nearly 10 pounds. I haven’t changed my diet at all. You can get a good workout on it, despite what the misinformed doctor says.
“Even worse, the BMI doesn’t take into account height, sex, or, more importantly, age”
Actually it takes all of those things into account, so… yeah.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:15 am
I absolutely love the wii fit and so do my kids & husband! Its a great alternative to going outside. We live in Arizona (not a sock puppet!) and its miserable outside if anyone has never been here. My kids love the trampoline and playing outside in the winter months but my daughter and son are so pale they burn so easy with sunblock in the summer so this is perfect for them to stay out of the heat and sun. And to top things off its perfect for my husband who has bad allergies…so instead of being miserable trying to jog he can excercise in our home without having attacks. I don’t know about anyone else but my kids are having fun with it. They aren’t fat but keeps them burning up that energy that kids get so they aren’t losing weight however my husband has lost 2 pounds in 5 days and I have lost 4 pounds in 5 days and NO we haven’t changed our eating habits. We feel as sore as we did when we were at the gym however was difficult to find a sitter to be at the gym as much as we like so this is perfect and cheaper!
And just because one researcher gives info doesn’t mean its deemed fact. Any good analysis boils down to extensive research time by multiple people. Everyone knows that! One person logic can be skewed or biased. Hint Hint NO one is perfect and like any excercise routine NOT everything is right for one person. Example someone runs for 5 miles a day could lose rapidly and others need other types of excercise to lose weight. Everyone is different that is what makes us human and just because you are bitter Jonah because you didn’t lose weight with it you don’t need to cry about it. Chances are you are the one sitting playing ps3 and too lazy for the wii. You’d rather have that magic pill. And you probably don’t have kids if you actually think all kids want to be in the heat, showing off their overweightness to be made fun of, etc. I was that overweight kid growing up and also the class nerd. I would have loved this. I got made fun of for just walking let alone trying to go out to do sports. Gym was a mess because I wasn’t able to do what they other kids do and it really doesn’t hurt self esteem then you don’t want to do sports again after the taunts. This allows kids to be proud of themselves and do it in privacy and feel good.
So think what you will be I believe wii fit only helps out physically but mentally. No one has touched on that…my kids are very proud when they hit the high numbers. My daughter can outdo us with pushups and she is only 4!! She is in dance class so yeah she gets other excercise too…but then again you will probably say that’s not real excercise either!!! All I know is has made a difference in our family frame of mind and made us more aware and happier we are doing something. Positive energy brings about results. That’s probably your issue you are so set against change and your negative goes with the saying if you don’t believe and you are open to change then NOTHING will change. So saying “I won’t…” of course your not going to!
Thanks wii fit! You are helping my family physically and mentally and I can’t wait in the next couple months for the cheerleading edition coming out my daughter is excited! And I’m excited about the Michaels workout game coming up as well. Yes they are coming out with more people. Checkout gamestop.com to see
August 31st, 2008 at 4:42 am
I’ve been interested on what the Wii Fit can actually do with my chubbyness, and my mother bought it for me as a surprise because she has diabetes and needs to exercise. So me and my mom dedicates around 20-30 minutes per day using Wii Fit to exercise. She’s very busy with business meetings all the time, and spends a few hours only in our home, so she barely has enough time to drive to the gym and get some exercise.
Wii fit has definitely boosted my self-esteem, motivation for exercise and my mother’s health as well! You wouldn’t able to believe I’ve lost 3 pounds in 2 weeks! I haven’t lost weight in over 5 months so far until now! And I live in a condominium as well, so activity outside where the air is polluted, no parks can be seen and cars crowd the area.. Going outside for a jog can be pretty hectic.
So I don’t know. Reading all the comments has boosted my confidence of using the Wii Fit even more and having a healthier lifestyle. Wii fit didn’t exactly appeal to me at first, but every time I do an exercise, I feel great afterward because I’m actually getting the exercise I’ve always wanted to do, but couldn’t because I had no place to.
So I salute Nintendo for creating such an innovative addition to their wonderful inventions that has improved not only my relationship with my mom, but both our health as well.
August 31st, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I don’t know what this woman is talking about, but it works! My son’s posture has improved, he’s lost 2lbs this week and he’s a bit overweight due to his hypotonia. He has balance problems and has not fully devoloped his trunk muscles (he’s 11) he’s got extremely flat feet on top of it. He can’t ride a bike, he can’t run. He can swim and jump on the trampoline for excercise so wii fit was EXACTLY what he needed. This encourages him to workout out in a way that is fun and not too stressful and he can go at his own pace. He does an hour a day and did it for 5 days out of the 7 and lost 2lbs. I like it and think this woman needs to realize not everyone is the norm, some kids have disabilities that this works great for!
September 6th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Ok i’ve read not to much of this page and i’m already annoyed i my self am obese cause i have the worst eatting habit i just got wii fit today so no results yet but i actually felt like i had energy for once in my life after my first workout i live in a neighbor hood where i can’t ride my bike cause of some pretty bad people i can get out some but the most i’m able to afford is bowling at a discount price i just turned 18 and i got sick of feeling like crap cause i coulnd’t get out not to mention our scale is broken so i got it i agree not with the fitness doctor but with everyone who says how good wii fit is i probably shouldn’t even be posting this cause i just got it but still i understand that some people are outside fantatics but people like me who are unable to get out enough now have something to turn to for help with obesity i don’t care if i’m critisized for this comment but i think its stupid when i hear how people shun the game just cause they and i repeat they prefer the real thing
September 6th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Well I don’t know about what you people think, but I think you need to be determined to lose weight no matter what your using; Rowing Machines, Aerobics Classes or even the Wii Fit. Yes, I do believe the Wii fit will help you lose weight but like with everyother excercise routine you have to take into account that a steady eating pattern must be mantained and other forms of excercises will help a great deal more Eg: 50 Situps a day 20 squats 30 minute walk/jog etc…
I would disagree with this whole ” Wii Fit Will not help you lose weight ” because it has definately helped me. I have lost 2 pounds since I started it one week ago and Im glad, and I feel better about myself. However my BMI is not getting lower because I am in fact very over weight; I can only see my BMI getting lower once I lose at leasy half a stone maybe…or a stone at most.
But yeah, I love the weight, so whatever. I really dont care what fat american people think
September 20th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I am a Dietitian and Personal Trainer and I think the WII and WII Fit are a great idea, especially for people who don’t get much activity. I know people that have lost weight on it, merely because they are getting up and moving….not just sitting on their big fat butts. Somebody mentioned a concern for people that are pushing 300 lbs, you don’t have to use the balance board, the boxing alone is enough to give anybody a great workout AND it’s fun to exercise while playing, making it less of a chore.
BMI is based on height and weight, but is inaccurate if somebody carries more muscle. I don’t know a single Dietitian that takes gender into account when calculating BMI…it’s height and weight. Having said that it is still an indicator that can be used to see changes in body mass, especially if you are chubby.
Furthermore, there are many rehab hospitals that are using the WII to help patients with coordination and movement.
To those who doubt the benefits of the WII….get off your fat duff and try it. You are only getting fatter, more unhealthy, facing death at a younger age and most of all you are just making excuses for remaining FAT!
September 21st, 2008 at 9:46 am
We just got the wii fit and are still in that “new” stage.
However, I have to say as far as the BMI - it does take into consideration of your height, age, and sex. You have to input it yourself. There is an insert that comes with the packaging that states that the BMI is not accurate for those under 20.
And yes, I would rather hula hoop virtually than IRL. First of all, I’m uncoordinated. Secondly, I would never be able to hula hoop with 5 hula hoops at the same time - and most likely not even 1.
My kids are into video games so why not give them something that helps them to stay active? Every little bit helps, especially since my kids are pre-teen and teen and aren’t really going to be going out to “play” as much as they used to.
I’ve only used it 8 times since we’ve gotten it. The last time I used it my calves were so sore, I had to take the next day off! I sweat like I’ve been on the elliptical for an hour - and that’s only after 6 min. of boxing!
The wii fit is a video game that gets you going - just like dance dance revolution. It’s fun! If a side-effect of it is to get fit or lose weight, then why not have fun doing it?
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
i have been using my wii for 3 mts i love it i have 1.1 pounds to go before i reach my goal i also walk i use my treadmill i also do walking arerobics my will fit age is 28 i just turned 47 7 31 08 i don.t eat past 9pm i drink water and limit sweets and fried foods also fast food everybody is different find what works 4 you and stick to it wii fan 4 life peace!
October 6th, 2008 at 3:04 am
I just read all of the comments and am really annoyed that I wasted 20 minutes of my life reading a guy, let’s call him Sally argue with like 30 or more people who like it. OH MY GOD. This guy, does not approve of Nintendo! Let’s call the president.
p.s. I think this game was intended for adults anyway. little johnny or amy can join the big brother and sister club in nyc and get molested in the streets in peace.
I don’t even care if I make sense, I am just so annoyed.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Okay, we originally bought a wii just so we could try the wii fit. Had to wait 4 months before we found one.
I regularly work out - 40 minutes of cardio 3 days a week, heavy weight lifting three days. So why buy a Wii fit? For fun. That’s all.
I had no grand visions of weight loss or becoming the next Mr. Olympia from this thing. But to be honest, it’s made me WANT to get up every morning at 5:15 and play! Better yet, my non-exercising wife is now doing it daily because she wants to be my scores!
Will it make me a shredded muscle bound freak? No. But it does get me doing stuff outside my comfort zone. I’d never go to a yoga class or even buy a yoga DVD. But I’m doing it gladly on the Wii, and it’s kicking my butt.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I Love my WII FIT. It’s absolutely great.
October 12th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I have lost 30 pounds using the wii fit. I am 27, 5′6″, started at 194 lbs and have had the Wii Fit 140 days. I have used it a total of 51 game hours. I am eating better, it is not just the excercise, however I’ve consistently lost 1.5-2 lbs a week doing it 4 times a wee for approx. 30 minutes. I guess any excersice can help you lose weight, but the wii fit is more motivating because it gives you goals. My goas is to weight 145 lbs and I am pretty sure that I can achieve that by maintaining my current routine and diet. I don’t understand how somebody can say it does not help you lose weight or BMI with such Dogma. This is truly revolutionary…
October 13th, 2008 at 6:38 am
the thing is we can’t just reliy on 1 thing to make a difference you’ll have to go on a diet as well it is not ‘misleading’ and your probly don’t relize this but IT IS A GAME!
October 15th, 2008 at 9:38 am
The way that Wii Fit works is that it makes you more aware of body and of your diet, its not going to burn off masses of calories but it will burn some and is a great way to start a fitness regime. The way it works is that when you eat a burger, suddenly you think to yourself, Will this have an effect on BMI? what will the Wii Fit results show next time? It places an emphasis on every aspect of your diet if you monitor yourself on a daily basis. You cannot blame Nintendo for wanting to make money, they provide jobs, etc, for crying out loud it is a business and thats what it is supposed to do. In this day and age huge numbers are overweight or Obese, hence it is a massive market. This product however in my opinion is good at helping people achieve weight-loss either directly or indirectly. It is expensive and living in the UK I dont know why we are charged more than the rest of the world, it is cheaper than paying monthly for gym membership and never going!
October 20th, 2008 at 6:21 am
I live in Australia and I’m American.
I think a lot of what is being said is so stupid. Who cares really. I mean Im 17 I am in my senior year of school and honestly a lot of people just dont have the time or commitment to want to come home from work or school and then go for a run or whatever. And i think that the wii fit is a good alternative. Its a fun way to work your body. Even if you dont sweat or get a huge work out your still active and doing something rather then sitting around on your butt for hours on end. Because god knows that isn’t helping anyone. The fact must be faced though. We are becoming a technological surrounded society. People rely on electronics for everything. And if for some its for exercise then thats what it is. But you cant blame nintendo for playing on that.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
You know… some people are not obese because of the way they eat… that’s foolish to put everyone in the same “bucket” so to speak. I suffer from inner ear damage, I have arthritis in my neck, I have pain issues all over. I also do not have the ability to go to a gym and have a personal trainer … Find me the money… For years I have suffered and as such gained weight… not to mention the fact that some medication I was on upped my weight as well… The Wii Fit has helped me already, just in confidence that I can do SOMETHING… It’s fun, it gets my heart rate up… and yes I sweat… So here’s to a great tool that may jumpstart people who are shut-in or embarrassed or shy to do something… anything… rather than sit on their butts watching tv. I know quite a few supposedly “obese” people who have lost weight with it… I know a few elderly people that are keeping active with it… And I know that it’s boosted my confidence enough that I may just take a longer walk on my treadmill later because I just had a blast on the Wii Fit! Just because some expert says it isn’t so…does not mean it isn’t so for EVERYONE… we are all made different and for every expert that shoots something down there’s a person to disprove them.. Get real.. accept the Wii Fit for what it is … a motivational, fun tool for all ages!
November 4th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Well, my motto is moderation in all things. My mainstays are running and squash, but there’s plenty of room left in my schedule for a little Wii Fit too. It’s fun. And IME, that’s the key to being fit — keeping yourself interested in a variety of activities that you enjoy.
Saying that the Wii Fit *won’t* help you lose weight is too strong a statement. More accurate to say that it may, or it may not. Just like any other activity.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I have a wii fit and find it great, my husband works shift hours (and sometimes can’t get outside or to a gym - so at home he uses the wii fit), My baby and I go for walks everyday, the wii fit is great for rainy days, and/or when my son is sleeping.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
[...] se espera que aclare un poco la realidad sobre el tema, donde algunos han dicho que si funciona, otros lo han negado y Nintendo gana millones con su Wii Fit. Según el doctor Michael Duncan, “Hay [...]
November 9th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I beg to differ!
I lost 10 lbs. in just about a month with the Wii Fit. (And am down about another 5 lbs. in another month) I exercise at least 30 mins. a day with it, maybe 4 or 5 times a week.
I have made MINIMAL changes/sacrifices to my diet. I skip soda and coffee, but will still have it occasionally. I try to stay away from junk, treats, and eating out - but I still do it if I want to. I try to eat salad, but I DO get sick of it after awhile.
Also, the scale is very accurate - it weighed me in at exactly the same starting weight that my scale said. The BMI is also pretty right on, because my doctor told me that someone my age, size, height, etc. should be about 138 lbs… when I set my goal to get to a “normal” BMI on the Wii Fit, 138 lbs. is within my “normal” BMI range.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:34 am
I just purchased a Wii fit last weekend. While I have a likely unrealistic goal to lose weight, the really great thing about the program is being more self-aware. It also has motivated me to get off the sofa and do something after my 2 hour commute home because it makes activity fun. I hate exercising but think the program may actually motivate me to be more active in everyday life. Some of us just need to find that routine first!
November 13th, 2008 at 4:04 am
I personally think the wii fit is great!! I used to run but due to working full time and school full time by the time i get home it is dark. Plus I live in Washington State and we have maybe 100 and something clear days a year! It definetly fits into my very busy schedule and I actually enjoy excersing again!
November 28th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I lost 10 lbs playing the wii (boxing) in just 3 weeks. I don’t see how people could say wii doesn’t help you to lose weight. I stayed sore the whole first week of having this game.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I agree with Denise, it was because I got such a workout with the wii boxing that I decided to give wii fit a try.
Also, before purchasing wii fit I had been doing yoga for the past 3 months. After doing yoga with the wii fit it showed me how bad my balance has been and improved the difficulty of many possitions I once thought were easy since I was able to learn how to do them correctly.
The running is great too. Living in Vegas I don’t want to run outside in the heat so its fun to stay in doors with a cute character to motivate you to keep up your pace. I broke out a sweat as if I had been running around a track or on a treadmill.
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 am
I’ve had my wii fir for about 3 weeks now - I’ve lost about 7lbs - which is nothing short of a miracle. I haven’t changed my diet, I’ve just been looking forward to getting on the board and beating my personal records and seeing actual results on my progress chart. I’m going to record all my results here for anyone who’s interested: http://www.roygbiv.co.uk/wii-fit-weight-loss-results.htm
December 9th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Wii fit is great! No offense, but the author seems to have a personal vendetta against wii fit. What’s wrong with a video game that’s interactive? It’s better than kids playing madden using only their thumbs!
The step boxing really gets your heart racing! Video game publishers make simulators all the time, madden, nba live, skate and so on, but wii fit comes out, which can really make you work up a sweat, and all of a sudden let’s attack it because it’s not as good as getting outside and doing the real thing lol. whatever!
Try doing the push up challenge, planks, boxing (which is like shadow boxing but with some incentive), jack knifes etc… It is a really good work out if you use it correctly, and the most important thing, it’s fun! It can keep a childs interest!
Look at the real-world results! People have been consistently losing 2-3lbs a week playing wii fit. People who would otherwise not get physical activity. Stop being such a hater! It has given real people real results. Which is more than some “expert” saying it doesn’t.
You can’t argue or deny the results people have been getting! It’s all over blogs, with videos, pictures, articles, youtube videos etc… the results are real!
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
does it help you loose weight??? i need a good program people!
December 26th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I just got it for Christmas, and I hate exercise. I’m told I’m rail thin, and hate to excercise and I still enjoy it.
December 26th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Thanks Jonah. I’m going to get a wii fit now. You created a lot of buzz. Maybe you secretly work for Nintendo. Are you their sock puppet?
December 26th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I’m convinced. Jonah, you have created so much buzz and protested so much, that I am going to get the wii fit this weekend. Are you sure you are not a sock puppet secretly working for Nintendo to sell the product?
December 27th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Jonah:
The point is if you do change your diet which you should anyways if you want to be healthier and you work out consistantly with wii fit i dont see how that could hurt you. if you really stick your children outside in the freezing cold winter weather you dont deserve to be a mother. some children get so caught up in video games.. they arent into sports. of course you want them to be active and not stare mindlessly into the tv. one way to change that is wii fit it not only gets them off the couch to do something it also gets the family involved. i mean really most families don’t gather around an xbox to play halo. so it promotes health and family time. what is wrong with that? Yes it may be a little blunt as to how it tells you your weight.. but really would you rather sugar coat it and believe you are smaller than you really are or see the true numbers and work to actually change them not “wish” them away? if you have consistantly used wii fit and have maintained a diet and have shown no sign in losing weight then fine i believe it is not the right work out for you or you arent putting your best into it. if you havent tried it or have tried it and dont work at it consistantly then you are not an expert. you dont always learn everything from books you have to experience things on your own to realize that it may not “seem” to work but it really does. Plus if you have a wii for other games why not get the wii fit especially if you dont have a gym membership which dont tell me they arent costly because i have a huge bill for one you can kindly pay off for me if you would like. gyms arent exactly the best place for some people as well. i mean come on last time i went 80% of the time i had some random guy try to hit on me. im trying to work up a sweat im not wearing make up and im definately not trying to get hit on much less have a guy follow me outside when he couldnt understand no is no. so lets recap wii fit is healthy, safe, fun, and definately worth your money. so jonah your opinion as an “expert” obviously is not needed. so congratulations for proving yourself wrong.
December 27th, 2008 at 9:41 am
You don’t get it, too?
Hey, talk to the accredited, professional health professor. Wii Fit won’t help you lose weight, and isn’t even accurate. Period.
December 27th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I work in a gym 40 hours per week, so I have plenty of time to use the equipment, my body fat percentage is 10% yet on BMI I am obese.
I have to say that the Wii fit is excellent. Some people will find they lose weight, some will not. They may even put on weight, but thats not to say they are getting fatter. If they are finding their clothes are fitting better or they aren’t getting as out of breath walking the dog or even just walking up the stairs it is obviously having a positive affect on them. They may be losing fat and putting on muscle.
Cardio alone is not the best way to lose fat anyway. Building muscle will help you burn more calories than cardio alone, the more muscle the more calories burnt. E.g. two people who weigh the same are both sitting on the couch but 1 of them does weights and cardio, the other does nothing. You would think that they would both burn the same calories, WRONG, the one who does weights and cardio burns more due to more muscle mass.
The answer is to do both, strength and cardio. Body weight exercises such as push ups and squats are benefitial to health and can help eleviate joint pains.
The Wii fit helps people to become more aware of their bodies, it helps to point out muscular and postural imbalances.
If you find it works, do it.
Visit: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ideal-body-fat-percentage.html
December 27th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
“The accredited, professional health professor”? Is that you? I really haven’t taken the time to read most of this bologna, so I’m just going to ask. If you are that accredited, professional health professor I feel horrible for the students you have in your class. You probably have a whole lecture on how stupid and horrible the WiiFit is in some pathetic attempt to push your personal opinions on other people. I hate professors like that. Some of what you have may be correct, but that’s beyond the point because you seem to fail to understand that he Wii Fit never stated that you will lose weight. It’s the buyers that think they will. I think if Wii Fit had stated people will lose weight with their product that they would have been sued by now–hah!
Will it help you lose weight? Probably not, but Wii Fit didn’t say anything about losing weight. It says stuff about burning calories and helping you learn to balance your body correctly (find your center of balance). Yes, you may do a lot of things in place… but when it comes to yoga or those strength exercises, don’t you generally stand in one place for those, except usually in a gym or in a yoga class? A lot of people are nervous about doing such exercises in a group of people… if they are able to do yoga and strength exercises on their own, isn’t that a benefit for them? Yoga and strength exercises don’t make you lose weight, but it helps you train your body (balance, et cetera).
If anything, for those of us out there who have not exercised in quite some time and our stamina is a bit low, this does help you get a little bit more stamina. Hey, running in place can be a little bit boring… but so are those ellipticals and tredmills at the gym.
I am not saying you will lose weight, but I am saying that at least -I- have fun playing WiiFit. I used to bike to work during the summer, before it got cold (I live in MN), and I would play WiiFit after biking 20-30 minutes home from work and track my progress from biking as well as try to fix my balance issues (my posture isn’t too great). I liked it for that.
As for the accurate part. I assumed at first that since my Mii character said my gender and my birthday that the WiiFit would take that into account. If I am wrong on that assumption, I apologize. I do know that the Wii Fit takes into account the person’s height and weight. When I have checked my BMI on those handy-dandy health accredited websites… Wii Fit seems to be pretty damn accurate. Maybe I’m just the weird one out of the bunch for that.
As a professor you sure do have a lot of time to sit on this website and continuously comment and repeat yourself.
December 27th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Didn’t read the article, did you? DOCTOR Judith Stern. (sigh) The Nintendo Defense Task Force…
December 27th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Just read the article. Seems that most of her quibble is with the use of BMI rather than more accurate measures of fitness. Sure, I can go along with that - you really want to know your VO2 max, your heart rate, flexibility, upper body strength, etc. But a machine that would measure all of that just isn’t realistic in a home environment. We’re talking about a $100 toy. The key benefit I see in the toy is that it plays to the psychology of motivation. It makes the virtual activity seem more engaging than the real activity, serves up variety, and offers rewards in the form of status updates, tracking, celebration, etc. on top of the pure rewards you earn by increasing your general fitness. What’s not to like about that?
The bottom line is that everyone knows what to do to be fit (and eat right) - it’s simply a matter of being motivated to substitute those behaviors for your current habits. If this toy provides the motivation, hurrah.
And of course Nintendo’s motivation is to make money - that’s called stewardship to your shareholders. They’re not a public service organization.
December 27th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
My son got the wii fit for christmas, and we love it, I have 2 children with autism spectrum disorders, and gettin them to ” go out and play” is difficult if not impossible, and the won’t touch a hula hoop. So how dare someone like Jonah dog something that can prove a huge improvement on my kids lives. you can call that lady Dr, its only academic ..but she is just a teacher who works with diet, not a MD, and not a physical fitness expert, she only is an expert in one half of the weight loss equation., she should have kept her mouth shut about the rest.
December 27th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
where it says that the BMI doesn’t take into account height, sex or age, that’s totally wrong.
It asks you how tall you are, you choose your mii which you’ve already specified is female/male and also you have to write in your birthday and year you were born, so it calculates it according to ALL of those things. What you’ve written is TOTAL bullshit.
December 27th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
btw, Jonah, I think you’re hilarious!!!! You contradict yourself SO MUCH!!! hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahaha
December 27th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Um, I don’t think “contradict” means what you think it does.
December 28th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Why is everyone assuming this is just for kids? Kids aren’t the only ones who use it. My 76 year old Grandmother loves the Wii! I don’t think anyone can argue with the fact that doing something is better than doing nothing at all. I’ve been overweight my whole life. I was a very active kid. I played soccer, softball, hockey, and I rollerbladed everyday. I also loved videogames. Kids aren’t going to want to run around outside all day long. And when they’re outside, they’re more likely to be playing some type of make-believe game rather than running around playing some type of sport. And when they do go inside, a video game that keeps them active is better than one that keeps them sitting on the couch.
Kids aside, this is a great game for adults. As an adult, I’m lazy. I go to classes and work all day, so the last thing I want to do when I get home is go outside for a walk or hop on the treadmill. The Wii Fit allows me to have fun while doing light exercise in the comfort of my own home (where no one can see me). I’d rather use a virtual hula hoop that a real hula hoop because quite frankly, I suck at real hula hooping. Not all of the games are intended for weight loss. There are different categories that help build strength and increase balance, as well as one that helps burn calories. No, this isn’t necessarily a hard workout, but it doesn’t claim to be. I’m positive you would get better results on a treadmill or other such equipment, but let’s face it, the Wii Fit is a heck of a lot more fun. If I didn’t have a Wii Fit, I wouldn’t exercise at all. I’m sure there are other people who are the same way. So yeah, the Wii Fit is perfect for me and I believe that it will help me lose weight because it’s making me be more active.
December 29th, 2008 at 5:29 am
wow Jonah. You seriously have been fighting over this for like 6 months. So lame. Wii fit is awesome.
December 29th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Why would they call the game ‘wii fit’ if it doesnt really make you fit??
I was going to buy it and spend £70, but now reading this article i wont. Because i would only buy it so i could lose weight…I am a bit upset now lol!
I think it would be better if i should just cut down on food and walk a bit more…and that wont cost me 70 quid.
December 29th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I believe a Wii Fit is a great game. I do not own one, but have played one. Obesity in young kids is growing very rapidly. I give congrats to Nintendo for creating the game! The Wii Fit is probably not for “major” weight loss, but definately beats the couch potato habits that most people have.
Why talk down to something that gets you active and off the couch? No one should expect a miracle weight loss from this game, but I can see that it would help to tone your body and lose a few pounds, easily.
It is also a fun game to play with the whole family, of ALL ages! Again, if you are looking for that miracle weight loss…Get lypo, and stop raving about how the Wii Fit is not actually a “Fit” game. All the games give you some type of exercise, which beats NONE at all. Correct?
December 29th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Jonah, wow. You are so lame. Your comments bring me to the conclusion that you haven’t ever stepped foot on a Wii Fit. I would love to see it.
You can’t sit here and say that it can’t help people lose weight. - let me get this straight. SO, you’re saying that someone who hates working out, and usually sits on the couch and eats all day would not see results from a Wii Fit?
I beg to differ. I have had the Wii for 6 days now, and I have lost 2 lbs. This is coming from someone who hates working out at a gym. So please, re-think yourself. There have been huge amounts of people who say the same thing. I don’t think you have any idea what you’re talking about. You, of all of us here, have the lowest self esteem.
Also, it is not just a game for kids. It is actually meant for ADULTS.
And lastly, The “doctor” wrote mostly about BMI and never once said that the Wii Fit won’t benefit you’re overall health. Whatever your weight is, it doesn’t matter, because at least you are up and doing something that makes you sweat. And yes, it does make you sweat. And if you have all this junk to say, why isn’t there a “Dr.” in front of your name, huh?
So, Jonah, go try the Wii, break a sweat. And then come back and try and say it doesn’t work. I dare you. Oh, better yet, do the wii for a month. Don’t change a thing about your diet. If you haven’t lost ANY weight, then you can judge. I bet you’re too weak to do this anyway.
December 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
fat people are gross, especially fat children. fat people makes clothes look ugly, not that they look better naked. If a child is fat there is something definitely wrong with their diet.
December 30th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
That is patently untrue. Let me introduce you, among other things, the terms “endomorphic” and “ectomorphic”.
December 30th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Anyone who bashes a game this much that he/she does not even play has just a bit too much time on his/her hands. It is just a game and if people become more aware of eating habits and exercise because of it great, if they just play it for fun great too. Why get upset about a game? I have better things to do with my time then argue about it, don’t you?
January 1st, 2009 at 12:36 am
I agree, Karen. Jonah, you’ve been going on about this for over 7 months. People are going to believe what they want to believe. Whether it’s coming from a “professional” or not. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, as are you, and no one should be bashed for that. And that goes to everyone who’s bashed Jonah for his opinions, too.
If people are getting their desired weight loss results with a video game, then great. Why condone someone for actually taking the initiative to lose weight? If this is the way they choose to do it, then so be it.
Everyone is entitled to think/believe what they choose to. If they think the Wii Fit is the best way to get their child, or themselves, into a better physical condition, then more power to them.
You’re not going to change their mind, no matter how many more months you troll this site. But, if this is how you entertain yourself, then /cheer.
Peace.
January 1st, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Jonah, Jonah, Jonah. Keep attacking me, and not actually discussing what Stern said - or even her qualifications.
This is what’s known as an ad hominem attack, with a little straw man thrown in.
January 1st, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Wow someone doesnt like Nintendo. Did you wife just leave you or something? Leave you for a Nintendo guy? Get picked on a lot as a kid? Whats with all the anger? You have wasted almost a year of your life arguing over Wii fit. Who really cares??? I hope you get paid to be this annoying because job well done sir.
I’m going out tomorrow to get the Wii fit just because of this website..THANKS!
January 1st, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Blah blah. Ad hominem abusive fallacy.
January 2nd, 2009 at 1:41 am
indeed it is..yay for Wii fit =)
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
i just got wii fit on new years and over night it said i gained 12 pounds and thats impossible for me because i didnt eat anything and so i worked out for 34 min and i lost 11 pound ..i think its lying about my weight
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I already worked out everyday on cardio before the wii fit. I added the wiifit to my workout for something to do late at night when I couldnt go outside or when it was raining. Basically my wii fit has me workin out twice a day instead of once…I still go to LA fitness but I do the Wii fit later that day when its late or I do not feel like drivin anywhere. Days when I normally watch TV I do wii fit because its entertaining and I feel like I am getting exercise. I already feel my ankles getting stronger from the yoga. I am losing weight more rapidly this way than before. I agree the best fat burning exercise is cardiovascular nonstop maintaining 45 minutes…but if you do strength training on the wii fit this helps build muscle ultimately burning fat at a more rapid pace.
January 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
Just so you know, this is a MODERATED board - and abusive or personal attacks will be deleted. Period. I’ve allowed you leeway, but now I’m drawing the line.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I got the Wii Fit about a month ago and I love it. I’ve become more active over the last few months and I have lost weight, but with the extra push of the wii has helped me get past the dreaded platuea I had. I still run my 2-5 miles a few days a week on the treadmill and walk outside nearly everyday (for my job), but the wii has helped me increase my strength training with the body resistance exercises because I hate lifting weights at the gym. It challenges me because I always want to beat my latest score and I love unlocking the advanced levels.
Also, I love the competition my friend and I have with the Balance Games. Always trying to beat each others scores.
The only thing I don’t like is that it doesn’t take muscle mass into consideration. It says that my friend is overweight, but he is a professional trainer and has very little body fat.
And to argue against Dr. Stern, I have seen changes in my BMI AND Body Fat Percentage using Wii Fit. Like I said, it helped me get over the platuea I was on.
At first when I got the game it seemed almost too easy, but as the advanced modes and challenges started opening up it’s really got me sweating. And with the BodyBugg (calorie expenditure device) that I have, it records all that calories I burn using the game. It is a significant amount.
Plain and simple, you’re having fun and burning calories even when it’s dark outside or the gym’s are closed.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I’m not sure who your expert is, but did she actually use the game?
Anyone who uses it can attest that it does increase your heart rate, gets your body moving and sweating. Any doctor who can’t see the benefit to that doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
Contrary to what your expert says, in wii fit BMI is calculated based on height and weight, just like at the doctor’s office. Age is also taken into account, not that it affects your BMI.
There is also a disclaimer that BMI calculations are NOT intended for children, and that BMI calculations for anyone under a certain age aren’t accurate.
The wii fit will certainly get your heart pumping faster and get you sweating, particularly games in the aerobics category. There are also yoga, strength and balance games. This is a well-rounded fitness game, and while it may work best in conjunction with other forms of exercise, it can definitely help lower BMI.
Any doctor who says exercise (of any kind) can’t or won’t lower BMI, is mistaken.
I think your article was misleading and inaccurate. Your expert was misinformed and seemingly biased. The video was pretty funny though.
January 4th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Doctors aren’t always right. If so, there would be no such thing as malpractice insurance. We hear it all the time, 9 out of ten doctors say this or that. Stern is that tenth doctor and probably has a very large malpractice insurance premium.
January 4th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
“Doctors aren’t always right.”
Yeah, just ask Christian Scientists.
“If so, there would be no such thing as malpractice insurance.”
I’d love to know how mistakes in surgery have anything to do with scientific fact.
You guys should work for cigarette companies. They’ve used the same bad logic, too.
January 4th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Ugh.. Jonah. No one is arguing with you about your original point: Wii Fit is NOT as good as normal cardiovascular exercise. PEOPLE AGREE WITH THAT. It’s obviously helping people though, so why can’t you just give it up? It’s PROVEN to work for people, so your arguing saying it doesn’t work is pointless.
So what if some doctor says it won’t help someone lose weight. It obviously has, so her opinion, to me, is about as high as my respect for you.
The Wii Fit may not be accurate with BMI or even weight for that matter, but it does get people moving, and therefore, their heart rate up, in turn, qualifying as cardiovascular exercise. It also improves balance and flexibility. I see nothing wrong with getting up and interacting with a game AS OPPOSED TO a standard video game. And again, not comparing it with normal cardiovascular exercise. Everyone knows real soccer is better for you than virtual soccer. No one is arguing that. They’re saying virtual soccer is better for you than hitting soccer balls with the “A” button.
K, I’m done.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I’ve just started using the Wii Fit since Christmas, and have already begun losing weight, and lowering my BMI. (Apologies to your “expert”.) Just a bit so far, but it’s better then the constant gain I’ve had over the last couple of years.
Wii Fit adds new exercises, and repetitions each day, and believe me, I’m working up a sweat as I am getting used to working out again. It provides a structured workout plan, targeting muscle groups, and it offers encouragement & incentives to keep going. I find it’s easier to maintain a regiment, rather than just random activities. Getting immediate feedback on form and results is also a real motivator for me. (And I’m wondering if my Wii Fit trainer always had a ponytail, or did he start growing it since I began using the system?)
I have a confession, I can’t Hula Hoop. I never could. I always got frustrated, and gave up. I however have a blast with the Hula Hoop game on Wii Fit. Trying to catch just one more hoop each time I play keeps me coming back.
When I want to do bounce real soccer balls off my head, will you come over and throw them for me? I wouldn’t bother most people with such a request, but since you seem to think it’s so important that I do it with real soccer balls, what kind of schedule can we work out?
Oh, and the step aerobics class, well I guess those never work either? I wonder why so many gyms offer them?
When I get up in the morning, and run around Wii Fit Island at 0-dark-thirty in the real world? (Wii Fit Island is a interesting virtual world, that keeps me engaged while I exercise. You never know what is coming next.) I live in Baltimore. While I live in a good area, the city has a very high crime & murder rate, and I don’t like running down the city streets when it is dark. Maybe I should consider quitting my job and moving to the country? Completely uprooting my life is a better solution than using Wii Fit?
When it’s raining/snowing/icing, or 100 degrees out, are you recommending that I run and exercise outside anyway, or should I just sit on the couch.
Although it’s working so far, should I quit using the Wii Fit? Is that your recommendation?
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/mans-wii-fit-experiment-comes-to-an-end-15-pounds-shed/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMVJMQxY_hc&feature=related
http://www.newsweek.com/id/138076/page/1
http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/03/me-and-wii-fit.html
http://www.teach42.com/2008/06/03/lose-weight-with-the-wii-fit-the-numbers-dont-lie/
January 5th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Wow Jonah! I am buying a Wii fit tonight all thanks to you! Not to mention my entire family has raved about this game…who cares if you lose weight or not? It’s interactive, fun, and helps bring families together! Sure you can play and excercise outside during the day, but what’s the harm in playing this Wii game at night before the kids go to bed? I really do feel sorry for you having to hide behind this Dr. Stern. Go out and make ideas of your own…poor thing.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Just so everyone knows - these are all free mail (hotmail, etc) accounts, with IP addresses that are, shall we say, interesting.
I also am entertained that these sock puppets would all address me, instead of Dr. Stern herself.
Fun is fun, but commenting on this article is now closed.
February 15th, 2009 at 8:28 am
[...] After reading Zen in Applesauce’s blog entry about the Wii Fitness, (http://zeninmyapplesauce.blogspot.com/2009/02/another-for-wishlist-wii-fitness.html), I remembered reading an article about how “Wii Fit Won’t Help You Lose Weight” (http://www.gamestooge.com/2008/05/25/wii-fit-wont-help-you-lose-weight/). [...]