Virtual Reality as a Dietary Education Adjunct for Pediatric Patients With Obesity

Virtual Reality as a Dietary Education Adjunct for Pediatric Patients With Obesity: A Pragmatic, Randomized Pilot Study

Childhood obesity is a national crisis, effecting up to 1 in 5 of children in the US. In the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Pediatric Weight Management Clinic, the investigators educate parents and caregivers about the importance of dietary modification. In addition to physician guidance, the investigators partner with registered dieticians to counsel families during an hour-long interview. However, traditional methods of education are limited by long-term recall. A typical person only recalls 2- 3% of didactic content after a period of 30 days. In order to improve recall and increase involvement of our pediatric patients in their own dietary modifications, the investigators propose a pragmatic, randomized pilot study investigating the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) in changing dietary choices and improving recall.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 6-18 years of age
• Able to consent or have parental consent
• Diagnosis of Obesity Grade 1, 2 and 3 at LPCH/SHC facilities

Exclusion Criteria:

• People who do not consent
• Significant Cognitive Impairment
• History of Severe Motion Sickness
• Visual Problems