The Virtual-Body Project Reduces Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Young Adult Brazilian Women: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Dissonance-based (DB) eating disorder (ED) prevention programs are effective but in-person delivery is costly and limits scalability.
• The Body Project is a highly effective DB ED prevention program for at-risk women.
• Virtual delivery of ED prevention programs may overcome limitations of in-person formats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of the virtual Body Project (v-Body Project) for eating disorder prevention among young adult Brazilian women.
• To assess the long-term effects of the v-Body Project on ED symptoms and related psychological factors.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 85 Brazilian women (ages 18-25) who participated in the v-Body Project.
• Measures included ED symptoms, body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, negative affect, self-esteem, and body appreciation.
• Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in all measured outcomes immediately post-intervention.
• Large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.74-1.31) were found for ED symptoms, body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, negative affect, and body appreciation, maintained up to 6 months.
• A small effect size (Cohen's d = 0.40) was noted for self-esteem, with efficacy maintained up to 6 months.

Conclusions:

• The v-Body Project demonstrates sustained efficacy for up to 6 months in preventing eating disorder symptoms and improving psychological well-being.
• This virtual program offers a cost-effective and scalable alternative for widespread eating disorder prevention.
• Implementation strategies within Brazil's public health system, including facilitator training and broader dissemination, are recommended.