Could a High-Fat diet help heal the brain after anorexia?

NCT ID NCT06540703

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of California, San Diego Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anorexia nervosa

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California San Diego
RECRUITING

San Diego, California, 92121, United States

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