A psychology professor from Kansas State University found through his research that extreme body types in video games can negatively affect gamers about their own body type.

Um...it took an expert to tell us this?

I'm no expert, yet I can affirm that when I see images of overtly fit, buff humanoids on my video screen, and then I look at myself after -- to say that I feel a bit inadequate is an understatement -- and I'm 5'8" and weigh 130 lbs. -- there's nothing wrong with the way I look either. Yet, looking at gorgeous people all day can make you feel like a troll at times.

Professor Richard Harris had two study groups: the men played WWF WrestleMania 2000; and the women played a beach volleyball game.

Participants were questioned prior to playing the video game, then after playing for 15 minutes.

Both genders, of course, had negative notions of self-image after playing a complete cycle.

But what's the alternative? Do we really want gamers to grab a pair of overalls, yearning to go through life as a plump -- but Princess rescuing -- a plumber?

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