Fast Talk

May 16, 2008

Q: Will the Wii Fit allow Nintendo to expand its reach beyond video gamers — and also solve America’s obesity problem? | posted by Fast Company staff

10 Total

May 16, 2008 at 9:35am

Lynne d Johnson

Nintendo has already shaken up the video game industry by making a console that not only appeals to die hard gamers, it appeals to women, kids, and even grandparents. Now with Wii Fit, the company is destined to disrupt the fitness industry. It might even replace home gyms and perhaps even those Jackie Warner and Jillian Michaels DVDs that are collecting dust. For more info: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/fashion/15fitness.html?_r=1&oref=slogi...

May 16, 2008 at 9:50am

Marshe Wyche

video games do not solve obesity. this isnt the jetsons your average american does not have machine do their work out for them. As long as corn and hydrogenated oils are in every product we eat.. and as long as americans eat 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th meals we will remain obese.

May 16, 2008 at 4:12pm

Michael Krakovskiy

Sure, even grandmothers love them!

May 16, 2008 at 4:12pm

Paul Maiorana

It's unlikely it will have a noticeable affect on obesity in America.

May 16, 2008 at 4:51pm

Hugh Simpson

As a certified personal fitness trainer and a senior I think any RAPID and CONTINUOUS movement of the arms will be some help as long as it is not being used to feed a person!

We are currently working on a non-Wii app that will REALLY move people and reward them at same time!

May 16, 2008 at 5:05pm

Matt McCoy

Definitely a step in the right direction. The balance board is a very precise scale, and Wii Fit will monitor your daily weight loss progression.

It won't solve the problem, but maybe it will increase individuals body awareness.

May 18, 2008 at 5:08am

Marcus Ausborne

Marshe u make so much sense,i dont need 2 say much.Its the same old thing,u finish playing the wii and then u go 2 mc donalds.Maybe it would help if it wasnt a hand held controller also,or if it was the only system on the planet.

May 21, 2008 at 4:43pm

Tyler Adams

Well, it's definitely not going to solve the obesity problem, or, as Paul said, even have a noticeable effect. But it is a step in the right direction (albeit a very, very small step), and since Americans are still going to go to McDonald's I suppose it's better that we at least burn a few calories playing the Wii beforehand...

May 22, 2008 at 1:20pm

Dan Denney

Yes and no for the same reason: the price. The tech workout will appear to business professionals that would not "game", but a nearly $400 investment is a stretch for the masses. A $5 value meal available 24 hours-a-day is too strong of a foe for the Wii Fit

May 22, 2008 at 4:33pm

Rachel King

I don't think a video game can solve America's obesity dilemna. It takes more than just physical work but a cultural and psychological change regarding food, exercise and body image. Video games aren't that complex yet.

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