Can a smartphone app help teens battle eating disorders?
NCT ID NCT04636840
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States