Gamified app teaches body image flexibility to young women at risk for eating disorders
NCT ID NCT05609409
First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests a digital, gamified program called FlexED designed to help young women aged 15-25 with early signs of eating disorders. Participants complete eight 20-30 minute sessions on their phone, following an avatar through a story and interactive exercises based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build body image flexibility. The study measures changes in heart rate, eye gaze, and reaction time to body-image triggers to see how quickly and effectively the intervention works.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- FlexED (digital gamified ACT-based intervention)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could provide a scalable, accessible early intervention for eating disorder symptoms in young women.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage trial with 34 participants, so results may not generalize. The intervention is digital and self-guided, which may limit engagement or effectiveness for some.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BODY IMAGE are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a text message help treat anorexia? a new study tests personalized motivation
- Tailored talk therapy may tame tough bulimia cases
- Which talk therapy works best for binge eating? a Head-to-Head trial aims to find out
- New integrated therapy approach aims to transform eating disorder care
- Can acting out emotions help treat obesity? new study tests dramatherapy with exercise
- Can a new program outperform the gold standard in eating disorder prevention?