Researchers from the University of Bristol reported that engaging in sports through virtual reality can suppress the urge to eat. The findings appeared in Appetite, a scientific journal focused on eating behavior and food intake. The study looked at how immersive VR experiences influence the drive to snack while exercising, offering new insights into how digital environments may support weight management strategies in everyday life.
In a controlled experiment, a group of 34 volunteers completed two cycling sessions on a stationary bike, each designed to expend 120 kilocalories. In one session, participants wore a VR headset that transported them into a virtual setting with engaging visuals and interactive cues. In the other session, they rode without any VR stimulation. Throughout both sessions, researchers tracked heart rate and energy expenditure with wearable smartwatches to ensure accurate comparisons between the two conditions.
After finishing the rides, participants filled out brief questionnaires about how enjoyable the training felt, how challenging it was to complete, and how strong their appetite remained before they had the chance to eat. This simple self-assessment helped researchers gauge the subjective experience alongside the objective measures of effort and energy use.
The results indicated that the VR-enhanced cycling was more pleasurable for the participants. In addition to reported enjoyment, the VR condition coincided with a smaller amount of food consumed at a buffet after the workout, translating to a 12 percent reduction in overall calorie intake compared with the non-VR session. This pattern suggests that virtual reality not only makes exercise more engaging but may also influence immediate post-exercise eating behavior.
Experts believe virtual reality could become a valuable tool in weight management programs, especially for individuals who struggle with controlling their diets. By increasing enjoyment during workouts and dampening immediate hunger after exercise, VR might help people establish healthier routines over time, complementing broader lifestyle approaches to energy balance and nutrition in real-world settings. The Bristol study adds to a growing body of work that links immersive digital experiences with practical health outcomes, offering a glimpse of how technology could support healthier choices in daily life, not just in laboratory conditions.