Assessing the Clinical Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Tool for the Treatment of Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) interventions, based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles, have been proven effective as complementary tools in managing obesity and have been associated with promoting healthy behaviors and addressing body image concerns. However, they have not fully addressed certain underlying causes of obesity, such as a lack of motivation to change, low self-efficacy, and the impact of weight stigma interiorization, which often impede treatment adherence and long-term lifestyle habit changes. To tackle these concerns, this study introduces the VR self-counseling paradigm, which incorporates embodiment and body-swapping techniques, along with motivational strategies, to help people living with obesity effectively address some of the root causes of their condition.

Virtual self-conversation using motivational interviewing techniques to promote healthy eating and physical activity: A usability study.

Introduction: We aim to examine the usability of a Virtual Reality (VR) platform, called , which has been designed to address the needs of People Living With Obesity (PLWO).

Methods: Fourteen participants with a desire to eat healthier and exercise more (6 normal weight and 8 PLWO; Mean age = 41.86,  = 13.