Virtual Reality and 3D Reconstruction in Body Image and Bariatrics

The Acceptability and Feasibility of 3D Reconstruction and Virtual Reality in Addressing Body Image in Bariatric Surgery

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.

3D scanning of participants. Images used to created 3D reconstruction of 15% and 25% total body weight loss. These are shown to participants using virtual reality. Qualitative outcomes measured using group discussion and questionnaires.

Using virtual reality and 3D reconstruction to produce personalise images of what participants may look like after 15% and 25% total weight loss.

Questionnaire to assess acceptability and Feasibility of Virtual Reality and 3d Reconstruction in Body Image and Bariatric Surgery

The primary outcome measure for the study is whether virtual reality and 3D reconstruction is an acceptable and feasible method of providing psychological support to bariatric patients. This will be determined from the responses on the feedback questionnaires. Participants will undertake 3 questionnaires; 1st after 15% less body weight image shown, 2nd after 25% less body weight image shown and 3rd after final peer group meeting.

Inclusion Criteria: In the tier 3 preoperative bariatric group 18 to 75 years old Male and Female Exclusion Criteria: Anyone who cannot provide informed consent. Anyone with significant mental health instability

As this is a pilot study with only 10 participants, individual participant data will not be made available to other researchers. The results will be checked by the sponsor - Imperial College London

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