Dataset Information

Web?based virtual reality to enhance behavioural skills training and weight loss in a commercial online weight management programme: The Experience Success randomized trial

ABSTRACT: Summary

Objective

Commercial online weight management programmes are popular and easily accessible but often lack training in empirically validated behaviour change strategies and produce suboptimal outcomes. This study evaluated the effects of a Web?based virtual reality (VR) programme for enhancing behavioural skills training and weight loss when offered as an adjunct to a commercial online weight management programme.

Methods

N = 146 adults with overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI] 27?40 kg/m2) were randomized to 6 months of no?cost access to the Weight Watchers (WW) online platform alone or enhanced with the Experience Success (WW + ES) programme, consisting of four Web?based VR sessions for training in behavioural weight?loss skills related to the home environment, the workplace, physical activity and social situations (i.e., a party at a friend's house). Weight was measured at the research centre at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results

Both groups achieved statistically significant weight loss across the trial, with no difference in mean ± standard error (SE) weight loss between WW and WW + ES at 3 months (2.7 ± 1.1 kg vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 kg, respectively; P = .086) but greater weight loss in WW + ES at 6 months (2.6 ± 1.3 kg vs. 4.9 ± 1.3 kg, respectively; P = .042).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential of Web?based VR skills training to enhance outcomes of commercial online weight management programmes that are widely accessible. Compared with traditional didactic methods for online skills training, VR simulation provides opportunities to learn behavioural skills via modelling and experiment with skills in real?world situations. More research is needed to identify specific behavioural mechanisms by which ES may improve outcomes.

SUBMITTER: Thomas J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7746971 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundCBT has been found effective for the treatment of EDs and obesity. However not all patients achieve clinically significant weight loss and weight regain is common. In this context, technology-based interventions can be used to enhance traditional CBT but are not yet widespread. This survey therefore explores the status quo of pathways of communication between patients and therapists, the use of digital applications for therapy as well as attitudes towards VR from the perspective of patients with obesity in Germany.MethodsThis cross-sectional online survey was conducted in October 2020. Participants were recruited digitally through social media, obesity associations and self-help groups. The standardized questionnaire included items concerning current treatment, paths of communication with their therapists, and attitudes toward VR. The descriptive analyses were performed with Stata.ResultsThe 152 participants were mostly female (90%), had a mean age of 46.5 years (SD = 9.2) and an average BMI of 43.0 kg/m² (SD = 8.4). Face-to-face communication with their therapist was considered of high importance in current treatment (M = 4.30; SD = 0.86) and messenger apps were the most frequently used digital application for communication. Participants were mostly neutral regarding the inclusion of VR methods in obesity treatment (M = 3.27; SD = 1.19). Only one participant had already used VR glasses as part of treatment. Participants considered VR suitable for exercises promoting body image change (M = 3.40; SD = 1.02).DiscussionTechnological approaches in obesity therapy are not widespread. Face-to-face communication remains the most important setting for treatment. Participants had low familiarity with VR but a neutral to positive attitude toward the technology. Further studies are needed to provide a clearer picture of potential treatment barriers or educational needs and to facilitate the transfer of developed VR systems into clinical practice.