3D Reconstruction, VR and Machine Learning in Body Image in Bariatrics

NCT07668492 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 181865
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Studies have shown that following bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS), patients continue to experience dissatisfaction with their new body image and identity). The reason for this is poorly understood but negative body image perception after surgery is linked to poor psychological and clinical outcomes. Our pilot study looking at the acceptability and feasibility of 3D reconstruction and virtual reality (VR) in addressing body image in BMS found that participants felt better informed about how their body will change following significant weight loss and agreed this novel intervention would be beneficial in helping patients adjust to changes in their body after BMS. The investigators propose a randomised control trial comparing group body image counselling and group body image counselling with 3D reconstruction and VR in addressing body image in BMS. The study aims to enrol 80 participants from the Tier 4 bariatric group at St Mary's Hospital and Chelsea \& Westminster Hospital. After consent, participants will be divided into two groups: the control group will receive traditional group body image counselling, and the intervention group will receive the same counselling supplemented with VR and 3D reconstructed images depicting 15% and 25% total less body weight. Both groups will undergo four sessions over six months. The investigators will collect data including body measurements and 3D images of the participant in their underwear using a secure password protected device at baseline and follow participants at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months post-BMS. Patient reported outcomes will be assessed through patient-reported questionnaires. This trial seeks to determine if integrating 3D reconstruction and VR technology into body image counselling can provide better support for patients adjusting to body image changes post-BMS, potentially leading to improved psychological and clinical outcomes.

Conditions

Obesity (Disorder); Body Image; Mental Health; Bariatric Surgery

Keywords

3D Reconstruction; Virtual Reality; Body Image; Machine Learning; Bariatric Metabolic Surgery

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Body Weight

  kg

  Baseline and through study completion, an average of 3 years.

• Patient reported outcome measure - Weight Bias Internalisation Scale.

  Minimum score 1. Maximum score 7. Score 1 - 3.9 = Low to Moderate Internalisation Score 4 = High internalisation Score 5 - 7 = Severe internalisation

  Baseline and through study completion, an average of 3 years.

• Patient reported outcome measure - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

  Scored by calculating separate totals for its two subscales: Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D) Each subscale is scored out of 21 points 0 - 7 = Normal 8 - 10 = Borderline Abnormal / Mild 11 - 21 = Abnormal / Moderate to Severe

  Baseline and through study completion, an average of 3 years.

• Patient reported outcome measure - Body Image Questionnaire

  Total score ranging from 0 to 18. Score 0 - 8 = Minimal to Mild Concern Score 9 - 14 = Moderate Concern Score 15 - 28 = Severe / Probable Clinical Body Dysmorphic Disorder

  Baseline, and through study completion, an average of 3 years

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Participant opinion on virtual reality environments.

  Duration of body image counselling sessions, average of 6 months.

Study Arms (2)

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Body Image Counselling without Virtual Reality

Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Body Image Counselling with Virtual Reality

Behavioral: Body Image Counselling with Virtual Reality

Interventions

Body Image Counselling with Virtual Reality BEHAVIORAL

Body image counselling using personalised 3D reconstructed images of participant with 15% and 25% total body weight loss in a virtual reality environment.

Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Tier 4 bariatric group
• On waiting list for bariatric metabolic surgery
• Able to stand unaided for at least 5 minutes

You may not qualify if:

• Anyone who cannot provide informed consent
• Anyone who is involved in current research or has recently been involved in any research prior to recruitment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Imperial College London: lead

Study Sites (1)

Imperial College London

London, United Kingdom

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Obesity; Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Overweight; Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Body Weight; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Personal Satisfaction; Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Nazrin Assaf

CONTACT

+44 (0) 203 315 8231; n.assaf21@imperial.ac.uk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 15, 2026
• First Posted: June 25, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2029
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2030
• Last Updated: June 25, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

GB (1)