A Philadelphia man has discovered a real-world benefit from virtual video games -- weight loss.

After six weeks and 21 hours of total game play on Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s new Wii game console, Mickey DeLorenzo has shed nine pounds, according to a Reuters article.

DeLorenzo, 25, came up with the idea for his experiment after he and his fiancée ended up breathless and glistening with sweat after virtually pummeling each other in the "Wii Sports" boxing game. Starting Dec. 3, he ate as usual but kept up a steady 30-minute diet of Wii tennis, bowling, boxing or baseball.

DeLorenzo chronicled his progress on his blog at WiiNintendo.net.

Hmm, now I've got an excuse to buy that Wii I've been wanting. Virtual boxing, anyone?

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com