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

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 behavioral-based weight loss program delivered via a 3D virtual world, Club One Island^TM (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.