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The Role of Virtual Reality in Childhood Obesity Treatment: A Narrative Review

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  • Qutaibah Oudat

    (Department of Population Health, College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
    Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA)

  • Sarah E. Messiah

    (Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA)

  • Alia Dawlat Ghoneum

    (Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University, 101 Heart Drive, Greenville, NC 27834, USA)

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue linked to long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This narrative review aimed to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions in supporting key components of obesity treatment—physical activity (PA), nutrition education, and behavior change—particularly in children under 12. Using the intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT) approach, we synthesized findings from studies published between 2014 and 2024. Of the studies reviewed, only one study met inclusion criteria, showing that VR-based interventions effectively increased light-intensity PA and reduced sedentary behavior in children, though these effects were not sustained long-term. The scarcity of studies limits the generalizability of these findings, emphasizing the need for caution in interpretation. Our review highlights a significant gap in the literature regarding VR’s role in childhood obesity treatment. Future research should explore the efficacy of VR in promoting PA, enhancing nutrition education, and supporting sustained behavior changes. Expanding this evidence base is vital for developing accessible and engaging interventions tailored to young children. Addressing this gap could enhance obesity treatment options, offering innovative and effective strategies to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Suggested Citation

  • Qutaibah Oudat & Sarah E. Messiah & Alia Dawlat Ghoneum, 2025. "The Role of Virtual Reality in Childhood Obesity Treatment: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:195-:d:1579904
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ayah Hamad & Bochen Jia, 2022. "How Virtual Reality Technology Has Changed Our Lives: An Overview of the Current and Potential Applications and Limitations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Jacek Polechoński & Katarzyna Nierwińska & Barbara Kalita & Piotr Wodarski, 2020. "Can Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality Be Attractive and Have Sufficient Intensity to Meet Health Recommendations for Obese Children? A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Peter Tatnell & Prince Atorkey & Flora Tzelepis, 2022. "The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Interventions on Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol, Physical Activity and/or Obesity Risk Factors: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-18, August.
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