Design and development of a serious game to fight childhood obesity

Abstract

According to World Health Organization, childhood obesity, classified as the epidemic of the 21st century, is reaching alarming values all over the world. Mobile technologies, especially smartphones and tablets, are an important part of a children’s life. Many studies believe that these technologies can be used in a healthy way, helping children to grow, so caregivers allow its use, on the hope that can help at their kid’s development. With educational games kids learn better and faster, because they feel motivated. To contribute to the fight against this epidemic, a mobile Android application has been developed to educate and motivate children to achieve healthy lifestyles, as well as allowing caregivers to follow and be part of the process, giving them tools to contribute on the improvement on the life quality of the children.