# Innovative Approaches to Eating Disorders Treatment:
###### Abstract
The most recent review in the field of ED and VR therapies was conducted by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [6]. This review categorized various VR interventions used in the treatment of EDs. One category involves VR-based body exposure therapy aimed at reducing body dissatisfaction and related emotional responses, which has shown effectiveness in improving body image disturbances [17; 18]. In VR body exposure therapy, a generic avatar with a similar complexion to the participant or an avatar with the exact silhouette of the participant is often used. The participant can see this avatar in the third person, for example, through a mirror [17; 18]. Another category focuses on VR cue exposure therapy, which has demonstrated \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline \hline
**ED** & **Description** \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Anorexia nervosa} & It is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. \\  & Individuals with anorexia often restrict their food intake severely, leading to significant \\  & weight loss and malnutrition \\  & Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as \\  & self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives \\  & It is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly \\  & and to the point of discomfort. There are no regular compensatory behaviors to \\  & counteract binge eating \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Brief description of three most common EDs. effectiveness in reducing binge eating and purging episodes among patients with BN and BED, with sustained positive outcomes observed even at six-month follow-ups [19, 20]. VR cue exposure therapy typically involves presenting patients with relevant foods and environments, allowing the participant to manipulate the food [19, 20]. Additionally, VR interventions have been developed to support treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, enhancing their effectiveness [21]. This therapy includes a VR environment where both the therapist and the patient are present. The therapist guides the patient through various tasks and games designed to improve the communication of thoughts and feelings and to focus on the most important aspect of their lives [21]. VR has also been employed in inhibitory control training (ICT) to reduce binge eating episodes, showing promising results [22]. In ICT, a table with different colored plates containing vegetables or binge food is used. The participant must follow the instructions to reach for and grasp the required food or withhold a response [22]. Regarding the target population, VR-based therapies may be particularly beneficial for adolescents and young adults, who are generally more familiar and comfortable with technology. They also have a lower probability of experiencing virtual sickness and a greater likelihood of having used this technology before--usually related to games--thus having a positive perception of this technology, which facilitates its adaptation to treatments [23]. ED are rising in this population, and they are more prone to use social media and be exposed to harmful ED-promoting content, such as weight loss trends and extreme fitness or thinness [24]. Patients with severe levels of EDs who have not responded to traditional treatments may also benefit from these techniques. In addition to the advantages mentioned previously, a more specific example in severe cases of anorexia nervosa is that VR can provide a controlled environment that allows patients to confront fears related to food and body image without the risks associated with direct exposure [6]. While VR has shown significant promise in treating EDs, there is a pressing need for further research to strengthen these findings. Conducting studies with larger participant groups and longer follow-up periods will help verify the long-term effectiveness of VR-based interventions and enhance the quality of the techniques used.