Abstract
Objective
Compare weight loss and maintenance between a face-to-face (FTF) weight management
clinic and a clinic delivered via virtual reality (VR).
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).
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).
Conclusions and Implications
Virtual reality compares favorably with FTF for weight loss and may facilitate greater
weight maintenance.
Key Words
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© 2013 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
