Pokemon Go
Image: Niantic

Pokémon GO developer Niantic has released a new video which tells the story of Tommy, a fan of the game who has enjoyed dramatic health improvements as a result of playing regularly.

A student at the University of Greenwich in the UK, Tommy recalls how he felt "isolated" as a child, not having many friends. He remembers seeing a photograph of himself and not recognising the person he had become, realising that he had put on so much weight that he no longer felt comfortable in himself and needed to change.

For Tommy, the change he needed came in the form of Pokémon GO. What started as an excuse to go on a 20-minute walk soon became a tool for completely changing his lifestyle for the better; he's managed to lose more than 10 stone (140lbs / 63.5kg) thanks to the regular exercise the game provides and has made lasting friendships within his local Pokémon GO community. It all sounds heartwarmingly familiar.

You can watch the video for yourself below.