27 October 2009 | Author: J. Cave SEO Consultant

Wii Fit Plus: Recommended by The NHS

The NHS is said to be giving the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus the NHS's Change4Life logo making the Wii the first gaming device to ever be recommended by the health department.

While the government and various health agencies have often attacked video games as being a major factor in the health and obesity problems they are trying to tackle, it seems that the the Wii Fit Plus has elicited a change in opinion. They believe will encourage a healthier lifestyle among Britain's armchair critics - video gamers.

The backing is a major victory for Nintendo and will no doubt help a lot of children convince their parents to get them a Wii this Christmas.

Since launching the original Wii fit game over 18 months ago, Nintendo - like any other gaming company - has been no stranger to criticism. However thanks to the exercises it promotes through virtual gaming (anything from yoga to skiing), the game has been able to win over many of its opponents and in particular generate a huge fanbase with women.

A large reason for this success is the way that the Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus allow users to focus on a particular area of their body. Rob Saunders the British spokesman for Nintendo explains "If you are worried about your bingo wings or your flabby bum, the game will give you specific exercises to target those areas."

The Wii has slowly been gaining popularity within the health industry. At the Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, recuperating patients are encouraged to use the Wii to help them to take exercise.

While video gamers and gaming experts are celebrating at the thought of being able to exercise without leaving their living rooms, the Department for Health are keen to point out that they are endorsing an exercise rather than a video game.

Wii Fit Plus goes on sale this week.