PALE, overweight couch potatoes. That's the stereotype of avid online computer gamers, but these joystick junkies are actually in better than average physical condition, a new US survey suggests, although they may be less healthy mentally.

Researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, the Palo Alto Research Center, also in California, and the University of Delaware in Newark, quizzed 7000 players of the role-playing game EverQuest II about their physical and mental health. Participants were offered a specially created virtual weapon as an incentive - the "Greatstaff of the Sun Serpent". The researchers then combined the survey responses with statistics about players' online activities and playing habits.

The results suggest that adult gamers have an average body mass index of 25.2, compared to the overall American average of 28. The average gamer also engages in vigorous exercise once or twice a week, which the researchers say is more than most Americans. The reasons for this are not obvious, although the team suggest it may be because more educated, wealthier people are attracted to computer games, and these people also tend to take better care of their health.

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Hmmm I disagree,  I think if you look at most of our peeps myself included.  we are either over weight or underweight.  I don't see too many athletic types coming to the lans.  How many donuts can you curl???  Oh by the way i have sweet ass muscles too.  I need them to squeeze out insanely loud farts!!!!

you don't need a bullhorn.  My ass is loud enough for all.  although im thinking maybe that pitch shifter i have will make them sound funny!!!!

Yeah when you fart, you make deaf people here again.

That's a talent only a few can possess!

*hear*

How many donuts can you curl???

How long have you got??