Improving weight maintenance using virtual reality (Second Life).

Authors :: Sullivan DK
Goetz JR
Gibson CA
Washburn RA
Smith BK
Lee J
Gerald S
Fincham T
Donnelly JE
Source :: Journal of nutrition education and behavior [J Nutr Educ Behav] 2013 May-Jun; Vol. 45 (3), pp. 264-8.
Publication Year :: 2013
Abstract: Objective: Compare weight loss and maintenance between a face-to-face (FTF) weight management clinic and a clinic delivered via virtual reality (VR).<br />Methods: Participants were randomized to 3 months of weight loss with a weekly clinic delivered via FTF or VR and then 6 months' weight maintenance delivered with VR. Data were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months for weight and process variables. Twenty overweight and obese individuals (31.1 ± 3.6 years of age; body mass index, 32.8 ± 5.1; 85% females; 20% minorities) responded to advertisement and met inclusion criteria. Diets (1,200-1,800 kcal/d) used prepackaged meals, fruits and vegetables, and physical activity (300 min/wk).<br />Results: Weight loss was significantly greater for FTF at 10.8% compared with 7.6% for VR (P < .05). However, weight maintenance was significantly greater for VR at 14.0% compared with 9.5% for FTF (P < .05).<br />Conclusions and Implications: Virtual reality compares favorably with FTF for weight loss and may facilitate greater weight maintenance.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)