Avatars or “Alter Egos” Said to Be Effective for Weight Loss

The Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology released an article in their July issue claiming that the use of Avatars or "Alter Egos" over the Internet may be an effective aid for women who want to lose weight.

The pilot study posits that the use of an Avatar can encourage women who have been trying to lose weight to finally act on this desire by exercising and changing their lifestyles.

What this study advocates is the idea that when women see a different image of themselves - or a representation of how they want their physical body to look like through the use of an Avatar, they would be more likely to stick to their weight loss regimen and healthy diets.

According to first author Melissa Napolitano, Associate Professor for Prevention and Community Health at The George Washington University, "the use of a virtual representation can provide effective reinforcement among women who wish to lose weight".

Napolitano further explains that there are two phases to the study that they developed at the Temple University in Philadelphia.

All 128 respondents agreed that the use of an Avatar or an "Alter Ego" can lead to a change in behavior to reach one's desired weight loss goal.

Respondents were asked to attend a clinic and were made to watch 15-minute videos of an Avatar image that demonstrated healthier habits. Within four weeks, respondents lost 3.5 pounds or 1.6 kilos on average.

Napolito stressed that in order for the Avatar to work and aid in weight loss, the image should closely resemble the actual person it is trying to motivate.

At present, the United States continues to be one of the countries that have the highest rate for obesity. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that a skyrocketing 37.5% of American adults are reported to be obese as of 2012.