Health effects of Pokemon Go fading: report

Washington

RICH Bell literally made headlines when he started playing Pokemon Go. In a single month, the 29-year-old guessed, he lost 10 pounds (4.5 kg) chasing Zubats and Spearows. In the weeks since, however, Mr Bell has stopped playing - like many other early Pokémaniacs. He hasn't been walking as much; in fact, he thinks he may have gained some of his weight back.

Mr Bell is not alone, incidentally: A new report from researchers at Microsoft found that Pokemon Go initially contributed to a major uptick in physical activity among its players, with possibly staggering public health effects. After downloading the game, the average highly engaged player increased his daily walks by 1,473 steps.