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We all know the stereotype of a typical video game geek: pasty-skinned and overweight, never seeing the light of day, except for a brief glimpse when opening the door for the pizza delivery guy.

But according to recent research, the average 'gamer' isn't unhealthy -- in fact, gamers have lower BMIs than the average adult in the U.S.. The average BMI among gamers was 25 -- just on the border of normal and overweight. What's more, the average gamer engaged in physical activity once or twice a week. Gamers did, however, show larger instances mental health issues, including depression and substance abuse.

Are you more or less physically healthy than a gamer?

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Federal researchers analyzed data from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health and determined that physical inactivity among children varied widely in different ethnic groups. For example, 22.5 percent of immigrant Hispanic children were inactive compared to 9.5 percent of US-born Caucasian children. However, immigrant children were less likely to sit in front of the TV for three or more hours per day.

The article doesn't really explain why there's such a discrepancy. Possibly, it's due to a lack of availability of affordable sports programs. The study authors suggest that health education programs that promote physical activity should be geared to children of immigrant families in addition to children who's families have a lower socio-economic status.

In my humble opinion, there could be many factors at play. Economics is certainly a factor -- anyone who's child is enrolled in team sports knows how expensive it can be. Another factor could be neighborhood safety; I'm lucky enough to live in a friendly, safe neighborhood where my son can play outside for hours, but I know that all neighborhoods aren't like that.

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In new research, it was not surprising to hear that most adolescents do not get enough exercise each day or maintain a healthy diet.

The changing of what keeps a kid "busy" these days is changing (or has changed in many cases) from outside time playing with other kids to watching TV inside a house with them -- or playing video games. Just pick a sedentary activity, and there is probably many kids doing it every day. While most of these activities are not bad, they can be not that good for a child's overall physical health.

Add to that the diet of processed foods and sugared soft drinks and it's not hard to see why so many adolescents are just not eating right and just not getting the physical motion needed to help their bodies grow properly.

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