Virtual reality-based multidimensional therapy for the treatment of body image disturbances in obesity: a controlled study

Cyberpsychol Behav. 2001 Aug;4(4):511-26. doi: 10.1089/109493101750527079.

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of a virtual reality VR-based multidimensional approach to the treatment of body image attitudes and related constructs. The female obese patients (n = 28) involved in a residential weight control treatment, including low-calorie diet (1,200 kcal/day) and physical training, were randomly assigned either to the VR treatment or to psychonutritional groups based on the cognitive-behavior approach. Patients were administered a battery of outcome measures assessing eating disorders symptomatology, attitudes toward food, body dissatisfaction, level of anxiety, motivation for change, level of assertiveness, and general psychiatric symptoms. In the short-term, the VR treatment was more effective than the traditional cognitive-behavioral psychonutritional groups in improving the overall psychological state of the patients. In particular, it was more effective in improving body satisfaction, self-efficacy, and motivation for change. The improvement was associated with a reduction in problematic eating and social behaviors. The possibility of inducing a significant change in body image and its associated behaviors using a VR-based short-term therapy can improve body satisfaction in traditional weight reduction programs. However, given that this research that does not include a follow-up study, the obtained results are preliminary.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Evaluation Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diet, Reducing / psychology
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Patient Admission
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • User-Computer Interface*