Computer World has just released a brief summary of a cross-sectional study of gamers in the Seattle area by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). The study will draw attention because it paints a different picture of the average gamer (male and mid-30s rather then teenagers).
There is a connection with health issues:
It gives Americans just another reason to be fat, dumb and lazy.
Like so many attributes of gamers, the question is are certain categories of individuals attracted to games or does preoccupation with the games lead to consequences.
nnIf you read the pdf (the research article is available), the Computer World comment on teenagers requires some clarification. The article does cite research from other sources on gaming interest across a wide age range. However, the study surveys individuals 19+.nnIf this topic interests you, do read the original study. There are some interesting comments in the discussions section. For example, video games as self-medication.
