Exploring Virtual Reality for Body Image Assessment and Psychological Interventions in Individuals With Obesity: a Comprehensive Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Individuals living with obesity often experience body image (BI) disturbances, which can negatively affect their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing psychological interventions, but no comprehensive review has specifically focused on VR‐based studies addressing BI disturbances in this population. Methods This comprehensive review examined studies utilizing VR for the assessment and treatment of BI disturbances in individuals with obesity. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Results Studies were categorized into three groups: (i) VR in psychological interventions for individuals with obesity, (ii) VR interventions following metabolic and bariatric surgery, and (iii) VR‐based full‐body illusion experiments. The primary clinical application was experiential cognitive therapy, which demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing negative BI compared with standard cognitive behavioral therapy and other treatments. Studies involving post‐metabolic and bariatric surgery adults also supported VR's efficacy in reducing BI dissatisfaction, though long‐term benefits were inconsistent. Full‐body illusion experiments suggested that VR can help modify distorted body perceptions. However, most studies were conducted by the same research group, focused exclusively on women, and were limited to specific geographical regions, primarily Italy. Conclusion While preliminary results suggest that VR is a promising tool for treating BI disturbances in individuals with obesity, the field remains under‐researched. Notably, no studies have explored VR's potential as an assessment tool in this population. Future studies should include more diverse populations, investigate long‐term outcomes, and explore potential barriers to clinical implementation.

Affiliated Institutions

• Universitat de València ES
• Instituto de Salud Carlos III ES
• Université du Québec en Outaouais CA
• Universitat Politècnica de València ES
• Université de Montréal CA
• Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec CA
• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières CA
• Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais
• Cégep de l'Outaouais CA
• Institut du Savoir Montfort CA
• Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition ES

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