Eating disorder

This completed trial in Xishui, China, tested a community-based program for 3,571 adults aged 35 and older who were at high risk for COPD and had mental health symptoms. The program included lung function tests, digital mental health support, smoking cessation help, and health ed…

This study tested a behavioral activation program given as part of a freshman orientation course at the University of Kansas. The program helps students set personal goals and engage in rewarding activities to indirectly reduce alcohol misuse, stress, binge eating, and depression…

This study tested a 5-day family-based treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa. The treatment, called NEW FED TR, uses insights from neurobiology to address personality traits linked to the disorder. 93 adults with anorexia and a family member or friend participated. The goal …

This study tested whether family therapy helps children aged 6 to 12 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) gain weight and improve eating. 98 children received either family therapy or usual care over 4 months. Researchers measured weight changes and parental con…

This study tested a specific group therapy for bulimia nervosa in 100 patients. Half received the therapy in 9-10 sessions, while the other half were placed on a waiting list. Researchers measured eating disorder symptoms before, after, and two years later to see if the therapy h…

This study tested whether a combination of naltrexone and bupropion can reduce binge-eating episodes and promote weight loss in people with binge-eating disorder and obesity. Participants took either the drug combo or a placebo for 12 weeks. The trial was very small, with only 3 …

This study tested whether romosozumab, a drug that builds bone, can improve bone density in women with anorexia nervosa. Thirty women received either romosozumab or a placebo for 12 months, followed by a single dose of zoledronic acid. The goal was to see if bone density and stru…

This study tested whether the drug lisdexamfetamine (LDX) can help adults with binge-eating disorder and obesity avoid relapse. 61 participants who initially responded to treatment were randomly assigned to receive LDX or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if LDX re…

This pilot study tested a new drug called BP1.4979 in 67 women with moderate to severe binge eating disorder. Participants took either the drug or a placebo for a set period. Researchers measured how many binge eating episodes and days per week occurred, along with quality of lif…

This study tested whether an online family skills training program is practical and well-liked for Black adults trying to lose weight. 21 participants joined with a family member. The program focused on healthy eating and activity habits.

This study tested whether denosumab, a drug used for osteoporosis, can improve bone density in women with anorexia nervosa. Thirty women received either denosumab or placebo injections over 12 months, with an optional year of alendronate. The goal was to see if bone density and s…

This completed study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could improve metabolic syndrome markers in 30 hospitalized adults with psychiatric conditions. Participants followed either a Mediterranean diet or a standard hospital diet for 8 weeks, then switched. Researchers measured …

This study tests whether an 8-week program combining gentle yoga and tai chi with acceptance-based techniques can lower the risk of developing anorexia nervosa in female college students who already have elevated body shape concerns. Participants are randomly assigned to the mind…

This study tested a virtual program called FED-F that helps people with anorexia nervosa face their fears about food, weight gain, body sensations, and social situations. The goal is to prevent relapse after intensive treatment. The study included 70 adults who had recently compl…

This completed trial tested a school-based program called 'Claudia Carraro' in over 1,200 Italian high school students. The program teaches teens to focus less on weight and shape and more on healthy eating and activity. Researchers compared students who took the program to those…

This trial tests whether a type of talking therapy called CBT-AR can help young people aged 12 to 25 with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID is an eating disorder where people avoid certain foods or eat very little, not because of body image concerns but due…

This study is testing a mobile app that gives weekly suggestions to help people with binge eating and obesity. The goal is to see which suggestions work best and in what order. About 300 adults who binge eat regularly and have a BMI of 30 or higher are taking part. The app tracks…

This study tested whether adding dog-assisted therapy to usual care helps teens aged 12-18 with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 70 teens in a day hospital were randomly assigned to either get dog therapy plus usual care or usual care al…

This study tested two treatments for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in 53 children and teens aged 10-18. One group received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-AR) and the other received nutrition counseling. The goal was to see which approach better reduces fear…

This completed trial tested whether virtual reality therapy can help people with anorexia or bulimia. 96 participants either received virtual reality sessions plus usual care, or usual care alone. In the VR sessions, they created an avatar representing their 'eating disorder voic…

This small, completed study tested whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with computer-based cognitive training, is safe and tolerable for adults with anorexia or atypical anorexia. One participant received either real or fake stimulation over 10 sess…

This study tested whether a 10-session Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills program could reduce rumination (repetitive negative thinking) and cognitive avoidance (avoiding difficult thoughts) in middle-school teachers. Thirty-four female teachers in Iran took part, with hal…

This study tested whether cyproheptadine, a drug that boosts appetite, can improve eating habits in children aged 2 to 6 with pediatric feeding disorders. Researchers gave the drug along with nutritional and behavioral counseling to 18 children. The goal was to see if kids would …

This study tested three short, one-time digital sessions (called Project YES) designed to help teens and young adults ages 13-25 who have depression, anxiety, or eating disorder symptoms. Participants completed questionnaires before the session, right after, and again 3 months la…

This study tested two types of talk therapy for teenagers with anorexia nervosa, delivered at home instead of a clinic. 77 teens and their families participated to see if home-based treatment is effective and acceptable. The goal was to improve weight, eating habits, and family s…

This study tested a program called Family Connections for caregivers of people with both an eating disorder and a personality disorder. The goal was to see if the program could reduce stress and conflict at home. 124 Spanish caregivers took part, and researchers measured things l…

This small pilot study tested whether a technique called bilateral stimulation (side-to-side tapping) could help people with eating disorders feel less anxious after eating foods they normally avoid. Eight adults in outpatient treatment either received standard care alone or stan…

This study tested whether a 4-week program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch could help adults with mental illness feel better and stay motivated. Twelve participants were split into two groups: one played exergames, the other continued their usual routi…

This study tested a new combination of two talk therapies for adults with eating disorders who are not underweight. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) or a mix of CBT and metacognitive interpersonal therapy (CBT-F+MI…

This study tested whether listening to a 10-minute affirmation podcast daily for 21 days could reduce fear of childbirth and repetitive negative thoughts in pregnant women. 120 women in Istanbul took part, with half listening to the podcast and half receiving no intervention. The…

This pilot study tested whether a home-based, supervised exercise program is acceptable and safe for 36 women with anorexia nervosa. Participants were asked to complete 8 weekly exercise sessions at home. The study measured how many people joined and finished the program, their s…

This study developed and tested a mobile app with coaching and a social network for adults with anorexia nervosa who recently left intensive treatment. The goal was to see if the app could help reduce eating disorder symptoms compared to usual care. 90 women participated, and the…

This study tested a self-guided smartphone program for women with disordered eating. Twenty women used their phones to track eating habits for two weeks, then received two personalized treatment modules. Researchers checked if the program was easy to use and if it helped reduce s…

This study tested whether repeated positive mirror exposure can help female university students with disordered eating feel better about their bodies and emotions. Seventy-five participants took part in guided sessions where they observed themselves in a mirror and focused on neu…

This study tested two ways to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for binge eating: a web-based self-help program and online group therapy. 120 adults with bulimia or binge eating disorder took part. The goal was to see which approach better reduces binge eating episodes a…

This study tested whether a program of smelling different odors could help 100 hospitalized anorexia patients recall specific positive memories from their past. Over 8 sessions, participants smelled two scents each time and were encouraged to talk about memories and feelings link…

This study tested whether an 8-week mindfulness app is practical and liked by people with anorexia or bulimia. 32 adults who were already in eating disorder treatment used the app at home. The goal was to see if they would complete the modules and find them helpful, not to cure t…

This small pilot study tested a structured plate with separate compartments to help children aged 5 to 7 with autism and feeding difficulties eat more easily. Six children used the plate during school lunch three times a week for two months, guided by an occupational therapist. R…

This pilot study tested whether adding weekly Hatha yoga or a body-focused therapy (FSB) to standard treatment can improve body image and eating behaviors in young women aged 16-25 with anorexia or bulimia. 54 participants were split into three groups: standard care alone, standa…

This study tested a mobile app designed to help teens with eating disorders who are not currently in treatment. Researchers recruited 161 teens through Instagram and Facebook. Participants used a guided self-help app, with some also getting coaching or a social networking feature…

This study tested whether nutritional counseling based on self-compassion works better than traditional diet advice for women who feel unhappy with their bodies. 194 women aged 25-59 took part. The goal was to see if a kinder, gentler approach could reduce body dissatisfaction an…

This study tested whether the drug baclofen can reduce vomiting in children with rumination syndrome, a condition where food comes back up soon after eating. Fifty children aged 4 to 18 took either baclofen or a placebo for 4 weeks. Researchers measured how many kids vomited once…

This pilot trial tested a new cognitive training program called N-ACT in 50 adults with high levels of emotion-related impulsivity and rumination. Participants completed eight weekly one-hour sessions with a coach, practicing exercises to improve emotional control. The study comp…

This study tested two programs designed to help children aged 5 to 9 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a condition where kids can't eat enough or a wide enough variety of food. The goal was to see if these programs could reduce severe symptoms like poor grow…

This study tested whether an 18-week online program combining mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy is acceptable and feasible for people with binge eating disorder. Seventeen adults tried the self-guided program and reported on their satisfaction and how much o…

This study tested whether a 12-session group therapy program for binge eating disorder could also improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. 34 participants received the therapy or were placed on a waitlist. Researchers measured changes in binge eating episodes a…

This pilot study tested a digital program called FoodSteps for adults who struggle with binge eating, have type 2 diabetes, and face food insecurity. Participants used a mobile app and received coaching and a weekly stipend for 16 weeks. The goal was to see if the program is feas…

This study tested whether online occupational therapy-based parent coaching could improve feeding problems in children aged 3-6 who were born prematurely. 39 mothers participated, with some receiving coaching and others not. The coaching aimed to teach mothers better feeding stra…

This study looked at whether stimulant medication can reduce loss of control eating in children aged 8 to 13 with ADHD. Ten children were followed for 3 months after starting stimulants. Researchers measured changes in eating episodes and behaviors to see if treating ADHD symptom…

This study tested a new therapy that uses virtual reality and eye-tracking to help teenage girls with anorexia nervosa. The goal was to reduce their focus on weight-related body parts and ease body dissatisfaction and fear of gaining weight. 75 teens participated, and the approac…

This study tested a ChatGPT-supported online group program to help overweight female nurses manage emotional and binge eating. Forty-four nurses participated in a randomized trial, with the intervention group attending online sessions guided by a self-help program and ChatGPT. Th…

This study tested whether a simple email program could help adults with eating disorders while they wait for specialized care. 78 people on a waitlist were randomly assigned to receive weekly educational emails for four weeks or no emails. The goal was to see if the materials cou…

This small study tested a type of talk therapy called Rumination-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (RFCBT) in 9 low-income adults who had both depressive symptoms and high blood pressure. The therapy aims to help people recognize and stop repetitive negative thoughts (rumination…

This study tested two online treatments for teenagers who have bulimia nervosa (binge eating and purging) and are overweight. The goal was to see if these therapies are practical and helpful for reducing binge eating and purging. Twenty-five teens participated, and the study meas…

This pilot study tested an online guided self-help program for teens aged 12–17 who binge eat and have a higher weight. Eight teens completed weekly online sessions over four months. The main goal was to see if the program was practical and acceptable, not to measure effectivenes…

This completed study tested whether a device called BTL-995-rTMS, which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain, can reduce binge-eating in adults over age 22. Sixteen participants received six treatments over a few weeks. Researchers measured changes in binge-eating severity…

This completed trial tested whether a device that delivers magnetic pulses to the brain (BTL-995-rTMS) could reduce binge-eating in 23 adults over age 22. Participants received six treatment sessions and filled out questionnaires about their eating habits and comfort. The study a…

This study tested whether text message reminders to stop 'safety behaviors' (like checking mirrors or seeking reassurance) could ease appearance concerns. 401 adults with body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, or eating disorders were split into two groups: one received text p…

This study tested whether a drug called megestrol (an appetite stimulant) could help children aged 9 months to 9 years who rely on feeding tubes transition to eating by mouth. About 70 kids received either megestrol or a placebo, along with a 24-week behavioral feeding program. T…

This Phase 2 trial tested two doses of centanafadine sustained-release tablets against a placebo in 147 adults with moderate to severe binge eating disorder. The main goal was to see if the drug could reduce the number of binge eating days per week. Researchers also looked at cha…

This study tested whether a 10-week recovery program, co-led by a peer with mental illness and a professional, is feasible for people with mental illness in Taiwan. Twenty participants completed the program, which focused on recovery concepts, strengths, and goal setting. Researc…

This study looks at why young women with anorexia nervosa lose bone density. Researchers will compare 160 patients with 160 healthy women to measure bone mass and check hormones and other markers. The goal is to find the key factors behind bone loss, which could lead to better tr…

This study looked at how stress and negative emotions influence decision-making and eating behavior in women with binge-eating disorder. Researchers used brain scans to understand activity in reward and self-control areas during everyday choices. The goal was to learn more about …

This study looked at 30 undernourished teens with anorexia, aged 11 to 17, to see how taking oral phosphorus supplements for 6 months changes a hormone called FGF23, which helps control phosphate and vitamin D levels. The goal was to understand the link between phosphorus intake …

This study measured how often adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) show signs of eating disorders, including avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Researchers used questionnaires to assess eating habits and nutritional status…

This completed study looked at how 26 premature infants and babies with Pierre Robin sequence suck. The goal was to better understand their feeding challenges so doctors and families can offer better support. Researchers used a special device to measure sucking patterns, aiming t…

This study looked at how thinking skills and brain activity differ in people who self-harm compared to those who don't. Researchers interviewed 316 adults and gave them thinking tests, with some also having brain scans. The goal was to better understand self-harm to help create m…

This study looked at how certain personality traits and brain activity are linked to eating disorder symptoms in teenage girls. Researchers used brain scans to measure responses to rewards and followed up one year later to see how symptoms changed. The goal was to better understa…

This study looked at how teenage girls with anorexia nervosa learn from rewards and punishments compared to healthy teens. Researchers used brain scans and computer tasks to understand differences in decision-making and brain connections. The goal was to learn more about the cond…

This study looked at 60 teens ages 12 to 18 to see if those with Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) had more feeding problems before age 4 compared to healthy teens. Researchers used questionnaires to check early feeding history, growth, and sensory sensitiviti…

This study looked at how exercise changes body image, mood, and certain blood markers in young women aged 16-25 with restrictive eating disorders. Researchers measured responses during lab-based exercise and rest. The goal is to better understand driven exercise—a common symptom—…

This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with eating disorders and their families in Canada. Researchers tested virtual support groups led by parents who have been through similar experiences. They interviewed parents, youth, and healthcare workers to see …

This completed observational study from Karolinska Institutet looked at 312 children and teens with obesity who used a digital treatment tool called Evira at home. Researchers checked their medical records to see if any developed signs of disordered eating or were diagnosed with …

This small study looked at how exercise influences appetite in women who experience loss of control eating, like binge eating or bulimia. Researchers measured food intake and appetite-related hormones after exercise versus rest. The goal was to gather initial data to guide future…

This study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists (people with lived experience of mental illness) helped veterans leaving a psychiatric hospital connect to outpatient care and community life. Fifteen veterans took part to see if the program was f…

This study aimed to find new blood markers that can show liver damage in people with anorexia nervosa. Researchers compared blood samples from 19 patients with and without signs of liver injury. The goal is to improve detection and understanding of liver problems in this conditio…

This study looked at how common liver scarring (fibrosis) is in people with anorexia nervosa. Researchers used a special scan called Fibroscan to measure liver stiffness in 43 patients when they were admitted to the hospital. The goal was to learn more about liver health in this …

This study looked at how children ages 8 to 17 use smartphones and tablets, including social media and games, and how that relates to their mental health, sleep, and physical activity. Over 900 children and their parents used the Aura app and completed surveys for three months. T…

This study looked at how fear, stomach discomfort, and feelings of fullness are connected in women with eating disorders. 133 women ate a yogurt described as either high-fat or low-fat (though both were the same) while researchers measured their fear, stomach symptoms, and gut ho…

This study looked at how eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia, impact blood sugar levels in women with type 1 diabetes. Researchers compared glucose control between those with and without eating disorders. The goal was to better understand these risks and improve screening …

This study checked whether the gut lining becomes leaky in women with anorexia nervosa due to severe starvation. Researchers measured sugar levels in urine after drinking special sugars to test intestinal permeability in 23 patients and compared them to 46 healthy controls. They …

This study looked at how often insomnia occurs in people hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Researchers checked 427 patients at 11 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. They also explored whether age, gender, or type of disorder made insomnia more likely.

This study measured stomach electrical activity and hunger-related hormones in 23 adults with and without food addiction. Researchers compared stomach readings, hormone levels, and feelings of hunger to learn how the body's physiology differs in food addiction. The goal was to ga…

This study compared a new personalized treatment for eating disorders (called Network-Informed Personalized Treatment) with the current standard therapy (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). 80 adults with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia took part. The goal was to se…

This completed observational study investigated sexual dysfunction in women with anorexia nervosa, comparing them to healthy women. Researchers used questionnaires to measure sexual function and eating disorder symptoms. The goal was to understand how anorexia may affect sexual h…

This completed study looked at 115 young people aged 10 to 25 with type 1 diabetes in Spain. Participants filled out an online survey about their mental health, eating habits, and how well they manage their diabetes. The goal was to see if these factors differ by age and sex, and…

This completed study surveyed 3,100 adults in Slovakia to find out how many people have mental disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction. Researchers used a standard interview tool to measure current and lifetime rates, and looked at who gets help and who doesn't. Th…

This study looked at how eating and fasting affect self-control in women with and without bulimia nervosa. Researchers used brain scans and computer tasks to see differences in behavior and brain activity. The goal was to better understand what drives bulimia symptoms. 100 adult …

This study aimed to find out if people with eating disorders have unusual antibodies that attack natural chemicals controlling appetite. Researchers collected blood samples from 211 participants, including patients with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, and healthy volunteers. …

This study tested an 8-month program called 'Meaningful Activities and Recovery' (MA&R) for people with mental illness. The program helps people take part in activities that matter to them. 139 adults took part to see if the program improves activity engagement, recovery, and qua…

This study looked at whether taking out the nasogastric feeding tube right after removing a breathing tube helps ICU patients start eating by mouth sooner. Swallowing problems are common after ICU stays, and the feeding tube itself might delay recovery. 112 adults who had been on…

This study looked at brain activity in 108 women to see if overeating shares features with addiction. Researchers measured brain waves (P300) while women listened to sounds, and also asked about eating habits and mood. The goal was to compare obese women with eating disorders to …

This study looked at whether people with binge eating disorder have a disrupted body clock. Researchers compared 43 adults with and without the condition, measuring melatonin levels and activity patterns. The goal was to understand how the circadian system might be involved, whic…

This study tested a new parent questionnaire called ORALQUEST to assess feeding and eating disorders in children aged 9 months to 6 years. Researchers included 338 children with chronic conditions like heart defects or autism, as well as those with picky eating. The goal was to s…

This study followed 180 people with anorexia nervosa for up to 4 years to see how their bone density changed over time. Researchers measured bone mineral density using a special X-ray scan and also checked blood levels of certain hormones linked to fat tissue. The goal was to und…

This completed study followed 1,290 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for two years. Researchers tracked mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and eating problems alongside daily blood sugar levels using smartphone surveys and continuous glucose monitors. The goal wa…

This completed study looked at 102 children aged 2 to 8 who were hospitalized for at least 48 hours. Researchers wanted to understand if food pickiness and neophobia (fear of new foods) affect how much children eat in the hospital. They also examined whether a child's family back…

This completed study looked at 224 adults who already had at least one psychiatric condition to see how many also had undiagnosed ADHD. Researchers measured how often ADHD was missed and tracked quality of life in those diagnosed. The goal is to highlight the need for better dete…

This completed study looked at 20 adults with bulimia or binge eating disorder to see if low blood sugar levels trigger eating binges. Participants wore a continuous glucose monitor and kept a food diary for 14 days. The goal was to understand whether blood sugar dips lead to cri…

This study followed 118 women with anorexia nervosa after they left the hospital with a healthy weight. Researchers wanted to see how many would relapse within the next 20 weeks and why. The goal is to find ways to improve treatment and reduce the chance of relapse after discharg…

This study looked at how focusing on negative thoughts (rumination) versus distracting yourself affects your mood after physical activity in people with fibromyalgia. 47 adults with fibromyalgia took part. Researchers gave them instructions to either ruminate on their muscle tens…

This study looked at how teenagers with anorexia nervosa feel about taking antidepressants. Researchers interviewed 15 adolescents aged 12 to 25 who had been prescribed an SSRI antidepressant. The goal was to understand their personal experiences, including both positive and nega…

This study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…

This completed study interviewed 28 women with a history of bulimia or binge-eating disorder about their pregnancy and postpartum experiences. Researchers aimed to understand how these women cope with body changes and interact with healthcare services. The goal is to improve care…

This study looked at whether teenagers with restrictive eating disorders, like anorexia or ARFID, have different sensory processing compared to healthy teens. Researchers used questionnaires to measure sensory sensitivity and also screened for autism and anxiety. The goal was to …

This study looked at how women with anorexia nervosa perceive sounds they make themselves compared to sounds made by others. Researchers tested 31 women (some with anorexia, some healthy) by having them compare the loudness of tones they triggered versus tones triggered by the ex…

This study followed 1100 adults with severe obesity who took WEGOVY (semaglutide) for 12 months. Researchers collected data on weight, eating habits, and blood markers to see how the drug worked in different groups. The goal is to use this information, along with artificial intel…