Could a High-Fat diet help heal the brain after anorexia?
NCT ID NCT06540703
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether a therapeutic ketogenic diet (a high-fat, low-carb diet) can normalize brain metabolism and reduce lingering eating disorder symptoms in people who have recovered from anorexia nervosa. About 90 participants, including healthy controls, will undergo brain scans and assessments before and after 14 weeks on the diet, with a 6-month follow-up. The goal is to see if changing the brain's fuel source can improve mental health outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
therapeutic ketogenic diet
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a dietary approach to help people who have recovered from anorexia nervosa feel better mentally and reduce persistent eating disorder thoughts.
What could go wrong
This is an early, open-label study with no placebo group, so results may be influenced by expectation. The diet is strict and may be hard to maintain, and long-term benefits are uncertain.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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University of California San Diego
RECRUITINGSan Diego, California, 92121, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••