The purpose of this study is to determine if use of a virtual reality platform, Second Life, is more effective than traditional face-to-face methods for maintaining weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.
This study has two main parts. During the first 6 months (-6 to 0 months)potential subjects will be on a diet developed by researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). Subsequent to 6 months, participants who lost 5% weight will begin the weight maintenance phase of the study (0-12 months). Thus the total duration of the study is 18 months. Approximately 68% of U.S. adults are classified as overweight or obese (BMI \>25). Behaviorally based weight loss programs, typically delivered by face-to-face clinics, produce clinically significant reductions in body weight over 3-6 months. However, approximately 50% of those who lose weight regain more than 45-75% of the weight lost within 12-30 months. Face-to-face clinics present many barriers and burdens to individuals including scheduling and logistical and financial burdens. Virtual Reality (VR) environments allow participants to create virtual representations of themselves called "avatars". An existing VR called "Second Life" will be used for participants randomized to VR. Participants avatars attend group meetings and use headsets for voice communication to interact with each other. Those not randomized to VR will participate in traditional face-to-face group weight loss intervention. The study will examine many different factors to determine if those participants in the Second Life group experience improved weight maintenance.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
202
Second Life is an online virtual reality environment.
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Difference in Weight Change
Weight change measured during Month 0 (after 6 mo weight loss) to Month 12.
Time frame: Change from month 0 (after 6 mo weight loss) to Month 12
Total Attendance at Meetings
Number of times each individual attended group meeting during the course of the weight maintenance phase.
Time frame: Month 0 to12 Months
Assessment of Self-Efficacy for Weight Loss
Weight loss self-efficacy will be assessed using the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire. This scale assess overeating in tempting situations. Participants rate their level of confidence on a 10-point Likert-scale with higher values indicating greater confidence to resist overeating.
Time frame: Change from Month 0 to 12 Months
Assessment of Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity (PA)
Physical activity self-efficacy will be assessed using the 5-item exercise self-efficacy scale. Participants rate their confidence level (1 = not confident at all to 7 = very confident) to engage in PA in a number of different situations including making time for exercise, resisting lapse, etc.
Time frame: Change from Month 0 to 12 Months
Assessment of Self-Efficacy for Problem Solving Skills
Problem-solving abilities will be assessed using the Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised, short form (SPSI-R:S). The SPSI-R:S is a 25-item instrument with five component scales to assess problem-solving styles and solution generation.
Time frame: Change from Month 0 to 12 Months
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