Innovation in Weight Loss Intervention Programs: An Examination of a 3D Virtual World Approach

Abstract

Obesity is a costly condition that can reduce quality of life and increase the risk for many serious chronic diseases and premature death. The rising rates, high prevalence, and adverse consequences of obesity call for the development and testing of new and innovative approaches that address weight loss barriers and bring help to those most affected by obesity. In this article, we examine the effectiveness of a 12-week behavioralbased weight loss program delivered via a 3D virtual world, Club One Island™ (COI) in Linden Lab's Second Life. Intervention design was informed by social cognitive theory and emerging research on avatar identification and the Proteus Effect. Our results offer strong preliminary evidence that not only can a 3D VW-based program be as effective as a content similar in-person intervention relative to positive biometric changes, but it may serve as a more effective platform to influence meaningful behavioral changes and increased self-efficacy.

Virtual worlds to support patient group communication? A questionnaire study investigating potential for virtual world focus group use by respiratory patients

“…2006; Boulos, Hetherington & Wheeler, 2007). For example, researchers have created interactive games that are accessible on a virtual "island" within the virtual world of Second Life that aim to teach weight-management techniques to obese people; one of these games is based in a virtual restaurant, and involves the user practising making healthy meal choices from the menu (Johnston et al, 2012).…”

T2 Virtual PTSD Experience: A Virtual Worlds Environment to Educate Service Members and Veterans About Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

“…Finally, Johnston et al (2012) found that clients that participated in a 12-week weight loss program based in a virtual world resulted in a higher percentage of weight loss than those in a group that regularly attended a traditional gym for exercise during the same 12-week period. Of particular note, the clients that were successful in the virtual world weight loss program typically identified themselves as individuals who otherwise would not seek or access weight loss services for a variety of reasons, including perceived stigma from other gym members, physical access limitations, and lack of motivation.…”

Are Virtual Environments the New Frontier in Obesity Management?

“…In perhaps the most interesting utilization of VEs to impact weight loss, Johnston, Massey, and DeVaneaux () created a virtual weight loss center in Second Life called Club One Island © that provides users with access to educational information, tools, and staff to help them reach their weight loss goals. The existence of the weight loss center in Second Life allowed individuals who may have previously had barriers to weight loss such as injury, transportation, or sufficient funds to access weight loss tools and support.…”

“…The existence of the weight loss center in Second Life allowed individuals who may have previously had barriers to weight loss such as injury, transportation, or sufficient funds to access weight loss tools and support. Additionally, the program shifted the focus from diet and exercise to nutritional plans and movement in an effort to get users on a “healthy life path” (Johnston et al, ). The users entered Club One Island © in Second Life for 4 hours per week, taking classes on nutrition, movement, and emotional issues regarding weight via their avatar; they were also free to explore the club at other times.…”