The Anti-Junk Food Superhero Game

By Mary Janisch Jeremy Snook

COM 547 Spring 2009

Childhood obesityis an epidemicepidemic

More than 23 million 23 million American kids are overweight or obese

That’s 1/31/3 of the youth population!

Obesity rate has doubled for kids and tripled for teenagers since 1980.

Fat Kids = Sick Kids

Overweight kids are getting “adult” diseases like

hypertensionhypertension and Type 2 diabetesType 2 diabetes.

Why Are Kids Getting So Fat?

• Busy families turning to calorie-laden convenience foods

• Portion sizes increased

• Recess times reduced

• More “screen time” and less physical activity

Companies spend $10 billion $10 billion a year on food marketing

to children

To teach good eating habits, get ‘em while they’re young…

…and where they’re at: playing videogames

97%97% of kids play videogames

It’s like…

• LEGO Star Wars / LEGO Batman

• The Incredibles

• Spy Kids

Meet the Johnsons

• Drew, 9 years old, 4th grade, AKA ZipZip

• Maura, 10 years old, 5th grade, AKA ZapZap

• Students at Springfield Elementary School

And is this corner…

1. Fight monsters, use energyenergy

2. Eat food to replenish energyenergy

3. Save your school!

All Food Gives Energy, But Not Equally

Food Group Benefit Negative Effect

GrainsProvides up to 75% energy, normal refill

(none)

Vegetables Provides up to 100% energy; fastest refill

(none)

FruitsProvides up to 100% energy; fastest refill

(none)

Milk Provides up to 90% energy; faster refill (none)

Meat & Beans Provides up to 110% energy; slow refill (none)

Junk FoodProvides up to 125% energy; faster refill

Slow-down after short period; end-game appearance

Sugary Drinks Provides up to 150% energy; fastest refill

Slow-down after short period; end-game appearance