Application of virtual reality technology in cognitive behavior treatment for obesity

Cognitive behavioral factors, which frequently manifest as body dissatisfaction in obese patients, are of great significance to progression and treatment of obesity. Reduction of body dissatisfaction during treatment enhances long-term adherence, promotes weight loss maintenance and prevents weight regain. After nearly two-decade-long study, virtual reality proves to be a safe and effective support for cognitive behavioral treatment of obesity. Cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced by virtual reality is designed and presents positive efficacy results. In recent years, with study in depth about the mechanism resulting in poor cognitive behavioral well-being in obese patients, ′Allocentric Lock Hypothesis′ is put forward, and virtual reality cognitive behavioral treatment is improved and has new protocols. Key words: Obesity; Virtual reality; Cognitive behavioral treatment