Virtual reality-enhanced interventions to improve weight control and body image in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-enhanced intervention on anthropometric outcomes (weight and body mass index, BMI) and body image outcomes (body dissatisfaction, body avoidance, and body size perception) at post-intervention and follow-up assessment. We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from the inception to October 9, 2023, using nine databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and ProQuest. A total of 16 RCTs were included, involving 1144 overweight and obese adults. Meta-analysis revealed that VR-enhanced intervention was comparable to conventional intervention in terms of weight (g = - 0.42 to - 0.10, p > 0.05) and BMI (g = - 0.59 to - 0.27, p > 0.05) reductions at post-intervention and follow-up assessments. Participants perceived their body dissatisfaction (g = - 0.46 to - 0.40, p > 0.05) and body avoidance (g = - 0.44, p > 0.05) to be similar between VR-enhanced interventions and conventional interventions at post-intervention and follow-up assessments. VR-enhanced interventions seem to be superior to conventional interventions for contour drawing rating (g = - 0.25, p = 0.04) at post-intervention assessment. However, the level of certainty was low for all outcomes. The VR-enhanced intervention can be considered a supplementary intervention for weight reduction and body image improvement among overweight and obese adults. However, further well-designed RCTs with large sample sizes are necessary.