VR-Therapie Essstörungen – Flexibel & therapeutengesteuert

Virtual reality also supports you in the therapy of eating disorders.

Eating disorders and VR therapy

You could work on the following topics, among others:

If you have bulimia, develop strategies to combat impulsive eating. You could use the 3P technique used for addiction to treat food as well.

The target weight can be experienced on a virtual scale. This way you can increase motivation in your patients.

In the case of anorexia, you can practice eating high-calorie foods with your patients.

You can use a virtual mirror to simulate the changed body image. This can help your patients overcome their fear of change.

Please note that the screenshots from the software cannot reproduce the extremely realistic impression in the VR glasses.

New Interactive Software

Patients are in a room with a long buffet table, where they can pick up food and even eat virtually.

They can also stand on a scale and experience different body weights and also look at the changed body in the mirror.

Calorie-dense foods

The patients are in a large room with several buffet tables. The tables are filled with a variety of calorie-dense foods. Ranging from cakes to fries, burgers, and pizza.

At the Grill

Outside on the terrace, there are two grills. They can be opened, and the crispy meat can be taken out.

Fruit and Vegetables on the Table

But there are also alternatives: For example, different fruits and vegetables on one table.

Bite into Pizza

A technical feature: All food items can not only be held in virtual hands but even eaten. To do this, you bring the food to your mouth, which automatically triggers chewing and swallowing sounds, and with each bite, the food visibly decreases.

Carrot

The chewing sounds are tailored to each food item. A carrot sounds different, for example, than a donut.

Scale

Another technical highlight is the scale. The patient's weight can be entered into the software, and it will appear on the scale. You can also enter a target weight to visualize this goal on the virtual scale, providing motivation.

Mirror Image 58/68 Kilos

And there’s more: the mirror reflection in front of the scale adapts to the entered weight. Here’s an example of a man at 58 kilograms with a target weight of 68 kg.

The eating disorder software can also be installed on your smart system hardware.

Find out more about our cost models now.

Experience the benefits of VR technology in the treatment of eating disorders by trying it out for yourself. Contact us to receive information about testing options and costs.

What else you should know - FAQs

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our VR therapy software, its application, and integration into therapeutic practice.

Which eating disorders is the software package suitable for?

Application in bulimia and anorexia

Our VR therapy software offers a wide range of exercises for different forms of eating disorders. It is used particularly often in the treatment of bulimia and anorexia.

Diverse VR scenarios for different therapy goals

The interactive VR scenarios are designed to specifically address both emotional triggers and concrete coping strategies within interactive therapy. This enables therapists to respond precisely to individual challenges

How does VR Coach support the treatment of eating disorders?

VR therapy for bulimia: Confrontation and regulation

In bulimia, virtual confrontation works similarly to addiction therapy: patients experience consumption pressure in VR and, accompanied by therapists, train strategic coping mechanisms.

VR psychotherapy for anorexia: Focus on food and body image

In anorexia, the focus is on confronting high-calorie foods and working on distorted body image. Targeted exercises help patients reflect on and reassess their emotional reactions.

How is body image perception addressed in VR therapy?

Individually customizable avatars for realistic self-images

Users can create a mirror-image avatar and adjust it to closely resemble the patient’s appearance. Gender, age, hair color, and body shape can be individually customized to enable realistic identification.

Future-oriented body images as a therapeutic element

The system also allows for simulating a future desired image. This targeted work on body image is particularly helpful in anorexia to develop a more realistic self-image.

How can the VR module be integrated into existing therapy concepts?

Expansion of traditional therapy through interactive VR content

The module complements existing therapy concepts with emotionally impactful and vivid content. Interactive therapy is thus expanded with new treatment options.

Targeted interventions in the virtual space

The VR scenarios allow therapists to trigger specific emotional reactions and use them therapeutically – ideal for complex eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.

What technical requirements need to be met?

Technical requirements for using the VR therapy software

A stable Wi-Fi connection is required for use in clinics or practices. For hardware, we recommend a powerful PC or gaming laptop, as well as a VR headset with integrated cameras.

Optional biofeedback for enhanced VR psychotherapy

An optional biofeedback sensor can be integrated. It measures, for example, pulse or skin conductance, which can be processed and visually displayed in the VR therapy software. All required hardware can be supplied by us if needed.

Is there a scientific basis for the use in eating disorders?

Current studies on VR psychotherapy for eating disorders

The effectiveness of VR therapy for eating disorders has been scientifically studied- In our accompanying specialist article, we reference current studies on the treatment of bulimia and anorexia using VR.

These studies show that VR psychotherapy can meaningfully complement traditional treatment and, in certain cases, increase the intensity of therapy.

Is there a free trial option?

Two-week trial of the VR therapy software with your own hardware

Clinics and practices that already have compatible hardware can test our VR therapy software free of charge for two weeks. This allows the practical benefits to be tested without any investment risk.

On-site live demo with complete equipment

Alternatively, a non-binding on-site demonstration can be booked—including our own hardware and personal support from trained staff. We bring all equipment with us and provide a hands-on introduction to the world of interactive VR therapy—tailored to your specific needs.

Virtual reality also supports you in the therapy of eating disorders.

Eating disorders and VR therapy