It's been called an epidemic. Kids are becoming overweight and even dangerously obese at a higher rate than ever, often because they're choosing video games over exercise.
A recent survey showed the average child plays 13 hours of video games per week.
Now there's a new approach to childhood fitness that's combining the two with encouraging results.
"I love them. I'm obsessed with video games," dedicated gamer, Joey Peel, said and he's far from alone.
A national survey indicated 99 percent of boys and 94 percent of girls spend at least some of their time playing video games.
"My mom always gets upset with me. She says, 'go outside. Go play!'" Peel said.
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Exergaming
News 8's Crestina Chavez shows how video games are helping kids stay in shape.
 
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One out of three kids in the U.S. is now considered overweight or obese, but a new generation of video games is making kids jump, punch and kick their way to fitness.
It's called exergaming.
"They're more inclined to participate in these activities," exergaming researcher, Lisa Hansen, said.
The average heart rate for the trazer game is about 188. Jumping rope raises the heart rate only 110.
"You don't really notice that you're working out when you actually really are," Hansen said.
A hop, skip and jump towards healthier kids.
A growing list of schools and gyms are installing exergames and video fitness machines.
Students in Tampa, Fla. just started using them as part of their regular physical education program.
Other video games that give great exercise are Dance Dance Revolution and WII sports.
