Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

After weight loss surgery, some people still don't feel happy with their body image, and we don't fully understand why. This can affect their mental health and how well they recover. We previously found that showing people 3D images and using virtual reality (VR) to help them see how their body might change was helpful. This new study will compare two groups of people waiting for weight loss surgery. One group will get traditional body image counselling, and the other will get the same counselling plus the 3D and VR technology. We want to see if adding 3D images and VR helps people adjust better to their body changes after surgery, which could improve their overall well-being. The study will follow participants for up to three years.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2030

Obesity (Disorder)Body Image Mental Health Bariatric Surgery

What is this study about?

Many people have weight loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery or metabolic surgery) to improve their health. While their body changes significantly, some people still struggle with how they see themselves and aren't happy with their new body shape. We know this can be hard and may affect how well they do after surgery. Currently, we don't fully understand why this happens or the best way to help people adjust.

Our researchers are exploring new ways to support patients. We previously looked at using 3D images and virtual reality (VR) – a computer-generated world – to help people understand how their body might change after losing a lot of weight. Participants in that first study felt more prepared and found this new approach helpful for getting used to their body after surgery.

Building on this, we're now doing a larger study. We want to see if adding these 3D images and VR to regular group counselling sessions makes a bigger difference. We hope this could help people feel better about their bodies and improve their overall health and happiness after weight loss surgery.

Key takeaways

Exploring new ways to help people adjust to body changes after weight loss surgery.
Compares standard counselling with counselling plus 3D imaging and virtual reality (VR).
Aims to improve how patients feel about their new body and their overall well-being.
Involves group counselling sessions and regular follow-ups for up to three years.
Takes place at St Mary's Hospital and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.
Participation is voluntary and all data is kept private.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are planning to have weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) and are currently on the waiting list through the special Tier 4 bariatric service at St Mary's Hospital or Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.

To join, you need to be able to stand up without help for at least 5 minutes. You also need to be aged between 18 and 75 years old. The study is open to everyone, regardless of their gender.

However, you won't be able to join if you can't understand what you're agreeing to (meaning you can't give informed consent). Also, if you're currently taking part in another research study, or have just finished one, you won't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you on the waiting list for weight loss (bariatric) surgery at St Mary's or Chelsea & Westminster Hospital?
Are you able to stand without help for at least 5 minutes?
Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Are you not currently involved in any other research studies?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be one of 80 participants. You'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will receive standard group counselling about body image. The other group will receive the same counselling, but it will also include special 3D images and virtual reality (VR) sessions that show how your body might look after losing 15% and 25% of your weight.

Both groups will attend four counselling sessions over six months, usually before your surgery. At the beginning of the study, we will take body measurements and 3D images of you in your underwear using a secure scanner. We will then follow your progress for a long time after your surgery, with check-ups at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. At these check-ups, we will again take body measurements and 3D images, and you'll complete questionnaires about how you're feeling about your body and your overall well-being. All information will be kept private and secure.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you might gain a better understanding of potential body changes after surgery, which could help you adjust better and improve how you feel about yourself. However, we don't yet know for certain if this new approach will be more effective than standard counselling. There are no known physical risks associated with the counselling, 3D imaging, or VR. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Imperial College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'bariatric metabolic surgery'?

This is a type of weight loss surgery that helps people lose a lot of weight and often improves health conditions like diabetes.

What is 'virtual reality (VR)'?

VR uses special equipment to create a computer-generated world that you can experience, making it feel very real.

Will I know which group I'm in?

Yes, you will know if you are in the group receiving standard counselling or the group with added 3D and VR. This is not a 'blinded' study.

How often will I need to attend sessions?

You will have four counselling sessions over six months, followed by check-ups over a period of up to three years after your surgery.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information, including your 3D images, will be stored securely and kept confidential.

How to find out more

Nazrin Assaf

n.assaf21@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0) 203 315 8231 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.