The mobile gaming sensation Pokémon Go has no doubt become a worldwide sensation, becoming even more popular than Tinder and Candy Crush.
The game uses augmented reality and GPS tracking to locate and superimpose Pokémon into real world scenarios, forcing players outdoors in search of the pocket monsters.
The mobile game has only been out for a week, but some users have already attributed their weight loss to playing the game.
“My body likes it too. It’s not just fun for my brain, but it’s a whole physical experience,” Joran Temple said.
Temple has walked over 70 kilometres in a span of seven days. He said some days, he’s walked around Wascana Park until four in the morning.
“I’m probably down 10 lbs so far.”
Temple’s story isn’t unique. Tyler Mandziak has also been on the go since the game was released. He’s walked, ran, and biked 30 hours and counting.
READ MORE: Here’s how Canadians are playing ‘Pokémon Go’
Mandziak has spent over 50 hours playing the game, and more than $500 in item purchases. He said he’s on the brink of being obsessed.
Despite the obsession, experts explained it’s a good thing anytime gamers are up and moving.
READ MORE: Pokémon Go users find everything from dates to dead bodies
“Our bodies were not designed to be sitting all day,” University of Regina kinesiology & health study assistant professor Katya Herman said.
“People that spend long hours sitting, we see bio-mechanical problems, back problems, neck issues, etc,” she said.
Herman said adults need to get a minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous activity, or 30 minutes a day.
Global News wanted to test out what we could burn in that amount of time. After 30 minutes, we burned 120 calories, walked 2000 steps or 1.5 kilometres, plus caught 10 Pokémon.
According to a computer scientist, the concept of the game isn’t unique but coupled with the popularity of Pokémon, it was enough to go viral.
“I’m surprised at how fast it’s gotten this big. It’s sort of a perfect storm of social,” U of R computer scientist David Gerhard said.
“It’s Pokémon that people love, it’s mobile apps that people love, and it’s getting people out into the real world,” he said.