Effectiveness of VR-Based Training Program in Weight Loss in Individuals with Obesity
Main Article Content
The global obesity epidemic presents a major public health challenge, prompting the exploration of innovative interventions such as virtual reality (VR)-based training for weight management. This literature review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of VR-based exercise in promoting weight loss among individuals with obesity. A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE identified 11 relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and pilot studies. Key themes examined include the physiological and psychological mechanisms of VR-based exercise, weight loss outcomes (e.g., reductions in body mass index and body fat percentage), and the advantages of VR interventions over traditional exercise programs. Findings indicate that VR enhances user engagement, exercise adherence, and satisfaction due to real-time feedback and gamification. However, limitations such as small sample sizes, short intervention durations, variations in VR systems, and accessibility challenges highlight the need for further research. While VR-based training shows promise as a complementary obesity management tool, larger, long-term studies are needed to standardize intervention protocols and assess scalability. Future research should also integrate VR with nutritional counseling and behavioral therapy to support sustained weight management and broader public health impact.
Berrone, P., Rousseau, H. E., Ricart, J. E., Brito, E., & Giuliodori, A. (2023). How can research contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goals? An interpretive review of SDG literature in management. International Journal of Management Reviews, 25(2), 318–339.
Faulkner, M. S., & Michaliszyn, S. F. (2021). Exercise Adherence in Hispanic Adolescents with Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 56, 7–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.09.012
Hudson, S., Matson-Barkat, S., Pallamin, N., & Jegou, G. (2019). With or without you? Interaction and immersion in a virtual reality experience. Journal of Business Research, 100, 459–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.10.062
Lee, J. W., Park, S. J., & Han, D. H. (2024). Factors associated with intention of sustainable use in players of the Wii Fit or smartphone-based fitness applications. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 40(4), 999–1011.
Lim, S., Liang, X., Hill, B., Teede, H., Moran, L. J., & O’Reilly, S. (2019). A systematic review and meta?analysis of intervention characteristics in postpartum weight management using the TIDieR framework: A summary of evidence to inform implementation. Obesity Reviews, 20(7), 1045–1056. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12846
Luk, J. W., & Thompson, M. F. (2024). Mapping Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills to Clinical Domains Implicated in Contemporary Addiction Research: A Conceptual Synthesis and Promise for Precision Medicine. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2024.07.002
Obesity, M. P. (2020). Telehealth opportunities and challenges for managing pediatric obesity. Telehealth for Pediatricians, An Issue of Pediatric Clinics of North America, E-Book: Telehealth for Pediatricians, An Issue of Pediatric Clinics of North America, E-Book, 67(4), 647–654.
Pigeot, I., Baranowski, T., & De Henauw, S. (2015). The IDEFICS intervention trial to prevent childhood obesity: design and study methods. Obesity Reviews, 16(S2), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12345
Poteiger, J. (2023). ACSM’s Introduction to exercise science. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Powell-Wiley, T. M., Poirier, P., Burke, L. E., Després, J.-P., Gordon-Larsen, P., Lavie, C. J., Lear, S. A., Ndumele, C. E., Neeland, I. J., & Sanders, P. (2021). Obesity and cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 143(21), e984–e1010.
Reynolds 3rd, C. F., Jeste, D. V, Sachdev, P. S., & Blazer, D. G. (2022). Mental health care for older adults: recent advances and new directions in clinical practice and research. World Psychiatry, 21(3), 336–363.
Swinburn, B. A., Kraak, V. I., Allender, S., Atkins, V. J., Baker, P. I., Bogard, J. R., Brinsden, H., Calvillo, A., De Schutter, O., & Devarajan, R. (2019). The global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change: the Lancet Commission report. The Lancet, 393(10173), 791–846.
Syed, T. A., Siddiqui, M. S., Abdullah, H. B., Jan, S., Namoun, A., Alzahrani, A., Nadeem, A., & Alkhodre, A. B. (2022). In-depth review of augmented reality: Tracking technologies, development tools, AR displays, collaborative AR, and security concerns. Sensors, 23(1), 146.
Takemura, N., Cheung, D. S. T., Smith, R., Deng, W., Ho, K. Y., Lin, J., Kwok, J. Y. Y., Lam, T.-C., & Lin, C.-C. (2020). Effectiveness of aerobic exercise and mind-body exercise in cancer patients with poor sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 53, 101334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101334
