Could a High-Fat diet help treat anorexia?

NCT ID NCT06605027

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

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study will test whether a therapeutic ketogenic diet (high fat, low carb) can safely help people with anorexia nervosa reduce their fear of weight gain and improve eating behaviors. About 120 people aged 16 to 45 in a partial hospital program will either follow the ketogenic diet or receive standard care for 14 weeks. Researchers will track weight, side effects, and eating disorder symptoms to see if the diet is tolerable and effective.

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 new dietary approach to help manage anorexia nervosa symptoms and improve treatment outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is an early, open-label study with no blinding, so results may be biased. The diet may be hard to maintain and could cause side effects like weight fluctuations or nutrient imbalances.

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

San Diego, California, 92121, United States

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