Can a smartphone app help teens battle eating disorders?

NCT ID NCT04636840

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

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. The goal was to see if the app could reduce eating disorder symptoms and improve quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: mobile application with coaching component
What this could lead to: If this works, it could provide a new way to reach and help teens with eating disorders who are not currently in treatment.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase study with no control group for the primary outcome, so results may not be definitive. The app may not work for everyone, and long-term benefits are unknown.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Binge-Eating Disorder bulimia nervosa eating disorder Feeding and Eating Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

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

EATING DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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