# Innovative Approaches to Eating Disorders Treatment:
###### Abstract  
This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality as a tool in the treatment of eating disorders, either alone or in combination with other therapies. The limitations of traditional therapies, along with the high prevalence of eating disorders, have driven research into the use of virtual reality techniques as a new approach to treatment. The review includes studies published between November 2021 and February 2025, focusing on virtual reality-based interventions for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and body image disturbances. A total of 228 articles were screened, with eight meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies show that virtual reality interventions, particularly when combined with other therapeutic techniques, can significantly improve psychological and behavioral factors related to eating disorders. Virtual reality exposure and inhibitory control training were the main interventions. The results indicate that virtual reality exposure is effective in reducing body concerns, food anxiety, and attentional bias, while inhibitory control training shows mixed results in binge eating disorder treatment. Despite the promising findings, limitations such as small sample sizes and lack of follow-up highlight the need for further research. Future studies should aim to include larger, more diverse samples and explore the long-term effectiveness of the interventions. e +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
_Journal of the American Society_  
\"being there\" within the virtual environment--which is essential for the effectiveness of VR interventions [4]. This heightened sense of presence allows patients to engage more deeply with therapeutic exercises while remaining in a safe and supervised setting. In the context of eating disorders (EDs), VR is emerging as a promising tool by providing personalized and immersive experiences that can be tailored to address specific triggers and symptoms, making the therapy more engaging and effective [5]. Additionally, VR can augment accessibility by reducing costs and barriers to treatment, potentially reaching a wider range of patients, as it does not always require the physical presence of both therapist and patient [6]. Recent data indicate that between 5.5% and 17.9% of adolescent and young women and between 0.6% and 2.4% of adolescent and young men in Western countries have experienced EDs [7]. These disorders pose a significant challenge for professionals due to their complexity and multifactorial nature. Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) are the main EDs [8]. EDs are associated with high mortality rates, including suicide, and often co-occur with other health conditions and psychological disorders [9; 10]. Significantly, EDs often manifest during adolescence, a critical period for growth and development, potentially leading to growth issues and impeding proper development, resulting in long-term repercussions for the patient's life [11; 12]. Various therapies are employed in the treatment of EDs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and family-based therapy, among others. CBT is one of the most widely used treatments, being particularly effective for BN and BED, with effectiveness rates ranging from 40% to 60% [13; 14]. Relapse rates can be significant, often exceeding 30%. However, when combined with other interventions--like nutritional counseling or pharmacotherapy--treatment outcomes improve, with remission rates increasing and relapse rates decreasing [14; 15]. Family-based therapy has shown significant effectiveness, especially in adolescents with anorexia nervosa, by actively involving family members in the treatment process to support recovery and address dysfunctional family dynamics [16]. Table 1 provides a description of the three most common EDs. VR, either in combination with other therapies or as a standalone intervention, has emerged as a promising tool to enhance the efficacy of ED treatments.