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A virtual reality intervention (Second Life) to improve weight maintenance: Rationale and design for an 18-month
D K Sullivan1, J R Goetz1, C A Gibson2
1Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
Contemporary Clinical Trials
|December 1, 2015
Summary
Virtual reality may improve weight maintenance after weight loss. This study compared virtual reality interventions to phone-based support, finding potential benefits for sustained weight management in adults with overweight or obesity.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Behavioral medicine
- Virtual reality applications
Background:
- Rising overweight and obesity rates in the US necessitate effective weight maintenance strategies.
- Weight regain is common after initial weight loss, highlighting the need for novel interventions.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers a unique platform for immersive, experiential learning to support weight maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality environment compared to traditional phone-based interventions for weight maintenance.
- To assess the impact of VR on sustained weight management in overweight and obese adults.
- To identify potential mediators of weight change, including dietary intake, physical activity, and self-efficacy.
Main Methods:
- An 18-month trial involving 202 overweight/obese adults (BMI 25-44.9 kg/m²).
- Participants first underwent a 6-month weight loss intervention via phone.
- Post-weight loss, participants were randomized to either phone-based or virtual reality (Second Life®) weight maintenance interventions.
Main Results:
- The primary outcome is the comparison of weight change during the 12-month maintenance phase between the two groups.
- Secondary outcomes include changes in energy/macronutrient intake, physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption, and self-efficacy.
- Attendance and completion rates of experiential learning assignments will also be analyzed.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality presents a promising avenue for enhancing weight maintenance interventions.
- This study will provide valuable data on the efficacy of VR in preventing weight regain.
- Findings could inform the development of innovative digital health solutions for obesity management.
