Fruits and vegetables embedded in classic video games: a health-promoting potential?
Aboul-Enein, Basil H;
Bernstein, Joshua;
Kruk, Joanna;
(2018)
Fruits and vegetables embedded in classic video games: a health-promoting potential?
International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 70 (3).
pp. 377-385.
ISSN 0963-7486
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2018.1513995
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The proliferation of the video game era has increased sedentary behaviours among children and adolescents. Contemporary interventions involve the use of video games to introduce fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among children and adolescents. A comprehensive list of licenced video games (n = 671) released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console were reviewed for thematic content and qualitative characteristics of the game's activity relevant to F&V. Seventy-five video games were included in the study sample and categorised by release year, prevalence of F&V, and thematic content. Mild associations were found comparing release year to F&V totals (r = 0.21) and release year to theme (r = 0.19). F&V themes embedded within classic video games could serve as health-promoting lessons for forthcoming video games. Future games produced by the video gaming industry should continue to focus on nutrition-embedded messages promoting F&V. Video game development and marketing could be an avenue that incorporates healthy nutrition themes.