Pokemon Go: The latest fad diet?

A survey company gives us a quick peek into the minds and lives of Pokemon Go trainers. Turns out they’re more active and even losing weight.

Forget fitness apps, Pokemon Go might be just what you need to get moving.

Pokemon Go players are taking the hit mobile game very seriously and as a result are spending more time walking around outside, according to a survey released Thursday by Qualtrics.

Pokemon Go players are spending about two more hours outside per day than they were before they started the game, according to the survey, and 43 percent of respondents reported losing weight — about three pounds on average.

The game uses augmented reality to place digital “pocket monsters” in the real world. Players are pushed to move to find new Pokemons and collect items at PokeStops, which are shown on a map using GPS.

Qualtrics conducted its survey of 750 Pokemon Go players across the US on July 13 and 14 to find out more information about typical players.

In addition to the activity findings, the survey found that 44 percent of players visited a historical landmark for the first time thanks to the game, which places PokeStops at landmarks in the real world. This, however, has led officials at more somber landmarks, like the Holocaust Museum and Arlington National Cemetery, to request that people refrain from playing the game while visiting.

The survey also shows that while getting more activity, players are also taking some health risks. Some 4 percent of players surveyed were pulled over for playing Pokemon Go while driving and 85 percent played the game while driving a car. The first known car crash related to Pokemon Go happened in Auburn, New York.

Qualtrics also confirmed something we already knew…that Pokemon Go is addicting. Some 16 percent of respondents reported playing more than four hours a day, while 21 percent said they would rather play than have sex. Now that’s some dedication!

Source: cnet.com