Wild claims of health benefits for pokemon go

The website HEATHNEWSREVIEWS have been tracking some wild and unsubstantiated claims of health benefits from the use of the Pokémon Go app. A quick web search turns up thousands of articles with headlines that read more like advertising than journalism – making claims about impact on obesity, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, and more. Many of these stories relied on anecdotes, often single anecdotes, often pulled from social media. 

Many of these reports tend to be anecdotes, often pulled from social media. However, one claimed to be based on a scientific study.  a story posted by Nature World News headlined, “‘Pokémon Go’ Could Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes, Study Finds.”  In the text of the story, it states: “According to the study, ‘Pokémon Go’ users are leaving their homes to walk for miles by just playing the game, engaging in intense physical activity without them noticing.” But the study doesn't exist. It was based on a University of Leicester news release that never mentioned a new study.  It did include the sweeping claim that “Pokémon Go could ease Type 2 diabetes burden.” But the basis for the release was not a study, but mere speculation by a researcher in response to people getting excited over the potential of the 'app'. The researcher was quoted: “If there is something out there which is getting people off the sofa and pounding the streets then this game could be an innovative solution for rising obesity levels.”

HEATHNEWSREVIEWS sets the record straight.