“Screen time” activities like playing video games and watching TV have been described as key factors in the rising childhood and adult obesity epidemic. However, companies like the nonprofit organization Hopelab are using the interest in technology to their advantage to promote healthy behaviors.
Their program Zamzee is designed to get kids moving by letting them log “pointz” that they can redeem for prizes. Activity is logged electronically via an accelerometer worn by the child and transferred to the computer by USB, where the user can view their progress and activity in relation to other users in a virtual competition.
For more information about a variety of technology-backed approaches to engage kids and adults alike in healthy behaviors, see this story by CNN: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/08/tech/gaming.series/obesity.html?hpt=he_c1.