Virtual Reality and 3D Reconstruction in Body Image and Bariatrics

With obesity on the rise, the number of metabolic procedures performed annually is also increasing. Bariatric surgery has a significant impact on metabolic disease but also results in significant weight loss. Approximately, 30-40% of excess weight is lost within the first year following surgery. One of the motivating factors for surgery for patients is body image dissatisfaction and the stigmatisation of living with obesity, which is linked to low esteem, anxiety and depression. However, studies have indicated that following bariatric surgery, patients continue to experience dissatisfaction with their new body and identity due to unmet expectations.

The investigators aim is to start addressing body image issues prior to surgery and provide realistic expectations to patients. This study will be focusing on the feasibility and acceptability of 3D image reconstruction and virtual reality as a method of helping bariatric patients manage their expectations and improve body image satisfaction after surgery. Thereby, leading to better quality of life, improved psychological outcomes and prevention of disordered eating, anxiety and depression.

The study will take place at St Mary's Hospital (London) and the West London NHS Trust Bariatric Clinic from March 2022 to September 2022 (7 months). The study aims to recruit 10 participants from the Tier 3 Bariatric Preoperative Group. Once the participant has provided written consent, a photograph of them will be taken using a handheld 3D scanner on a secure password protected device. The images will be processed to produce two reconstructed images, one with 15% less body weight and the second with 25% less body weight. The participants will be divided into groups of 5 and shown their reconstructed images using individual virtual reality headsets. The participants will only have access to their own images. This will be followed up with group peer discussion meetings and questionnaires.