Eating disorder

This study tests whether personalized motivational text messages can help adults with anorexia nervosa increase their motivation to change and their calorie intake. Participants receive these texts alongside cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is provided at no cost. The st…

This study tests two versions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adult women with a specific form of bulimia nervosa that also involves borderline personality traits. One therapy focuses only on eating disorder symptoms, while the other also addresses mood and relationship…

This study evaluates a comprehensive treatment model for eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. The ITA model combines outpatient therapy, day hospital, and hospitalization tailored to each patient's needs. Researchers will track changes in symptoms and well-b…

This study tested whether romosozumab, a drug that builds bone, can improve bone density in women with anorexia nervosa. Thirty women received either romosozumab or a placebo for 12 months, followed by a single dose of zoledronic acid. The goal was to see if bone density and stru…

This study tested whether an online family skills training program is practical and well-liked for Black adults trying to lose weight. 21 participants joined with a family member. The program focused on healthy eating and activity habits.

This study tested whether denosumab, a drug used for osteoporosis, can improve bone density in women with anorexia nervosa. Thirty women received either denosumab or placebo injections over 12 months, with an optional year of alendronate. The goal was to see if bone density and s…

Researchers at Stanford University are testing whether the Diabetes Body Project, a six-session group program, can reduce eating disorder symptoms and improve blood sugar control in young women with type 1 diabetes. The study enrolls 55 female-identifying participants aged 15 to …

Researchers are testing a school-based program that screens adolescents for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, then offers stepped support. Students at eight schools in Spain complete regular mental health questionnaires. Based on their results, they receive d…

This study tested a virtual program called FED-F that helps people with anorexia nervosa face their fears about food, weight gain, body sensations, and social situations. The goal is to prevent relapse after intensive treatment. The study included 70 adults who had recently compl…

This study tests whether a single online session for parents can help prevent body image problems in children ages 2 to 6. Researchers will enroll 100 parents to see if the program is acceptable, easy to use, and shows early signs of working. The goal is to give parents simple to…

This completed trial tested a school-based program called 'Claudia Carraro' in over 1,200 Italian high school students. The program teaches teens to focus less on weight and shape and more on healthy eating and activity. Researchers compared students who took the program to those…

This study tested whether online occupational therapy-based parent coaching could improve feeding problems in children aged 3-6 who were born prematurely. 39 mothers participated, with some receiving coaching and others not. The coaching aimed to teach mothers better feeding stra…

This trial tests a digital, gamified program called FlexED designed to help young women aged 15-25 with early signs of eating disorders. Participants complete eight 20-30 minute sessions on their phone, following an avatar through a story and interactive exercises based on Accept…

This study tested whether adding dog-assisted therapy to usual care helps teens aged 12-18 with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 70 teens in a day hospital were randomly assigned to either get dog therapy plus usual care or usual care al…

This completed trial tested whether virtual reality therapy can help people with anorexia or bulimia. 96 participants either received virtual reality sessions plus usual care, or usual care alone. In the VR sessions, they created an avatar representing their 'eating disorder voic…

This study tested three short, one-time digital sessions (called Project YES) designed to help teens and young adults ages 13-25 who have depression, anxiety, or eating disorder symptoms. Participants completed questionnaires before the session, right after, and again 3 months la…

This study tested two types of talk therapy for teenagers with anorexia nervosa, delivered at home instead of a clinic. 77 teens and their families participated to see if home-based treatment is effective and acceptable. The goal was to improve weight, eating habits, and family s…

This study tested a program called Family Connections for caregivers of people with both an eating disorder and a personality disorder. The goal was to see if the program could reduce stress and conflict at home. 124 Spanish caregivers took part, and researchers measured things l…

This small pilot study tested whether a technique called bilateral stimulation (side-to-side tapping) could help people with eating disorders feel less anxious after eating foods they normally avoid. Eight adults in outpatient treatment either received standard care alone or stan…

This study tested a new combination of two talk therapies for adults with eating disorders who are not underweight. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) or a mix of CBT and metacognitive interpersonal therapy (CBT-F+MI…

This study tested a self-guided smartphone program for women with disordered eating. Twenty women used their phones to track eating habits for two weeks, then received two personalized treatment modules. Researchers checked if the program was easy to use and if it helped reduce s…

This study tested whether repeated positive mirror exposure can help female university students with disordered eating feel better about their bodies and emotions. Seventy-five participants took part in guided sessions where they observed themselves in a mirror and focused on neu…

This study tested two ways to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for binge eating: a web-based self-help program and online group therapy. 120 adults with bulimia or binge eating disorder took part. The goal was to see which approach better reduces binge eating episodes a…

This small pilot study tested a structured plate with separate compartments to help children aged 5 to 7 with autism and feeding difficulties eat more easily. Six children used the plate during school lunch three times a week for two months, guided by an occupational therapist. R…

This pilot study tested whether adding weekly Hatha yoga or a body-focused therapy (FSB) to standard treatment can improve body image and eating behaviors in young women aged 16-25 with anorexia or bulimia. 54 participants were split into three groups: standard care alone, standa…

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…

This study tested whether nutritional counseling based on self-compassion works better than traditional diet advice for women who feel unhappy with their bodies. 194 women aged 25-59 took part. The goal was to see if a kinder, gentler approach could reduce body dissatisfaction an…

This study tested whether a simple email program could help adults with eating disorders while they wait for specialized care. 78 people on a waitlist were randomly assigned to receive weekly educational emails for four weeks or no emails. The goal was to see if the materials cou…

This study tested whether text message reminders to stop 'safety behaviors' (like checking mirrors or seeking reassurance) could ease appearance concerns. 401 adults with body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, or eating disorders were split into two groups: one received text p…

This study tests whether removing price promotions (like discounts and bulk deals) from online pizza delivery menus changes what people order and eat. About 600 adults in three UK cities will order a real pizza for their household, with or without promotions. Researchers will tra…

This study looks at how different front-of-pack nutrition labels—warning labels versus traffic light labels—affect food choices and negative emotions in people with eating disorders. Around 246 UK adults with a current or past eating disorder will make hypothetical food choices o…

This study surveys over 3,700 medical students and interns across the Middle East to find out how many have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It also looks at how eating habits, stress, anxiety, and depression relate to GERD and how the condition affects their quality of li…

This study looked at how exercise changes body image, mood, and certain blood markers in young women aged 16-25 with restrictive eating disorders. Researchers measured responses during lab-based exercise and rest. The goal is to better understand driven exercise—a common symptom—…

This study tested a new parent questionnaire called ORALQUEST to assess feeding and eating disorders in children aged 9 months to 6 years. Researchers included 338 children with chronic conditions like heart defects or autism, as well as those with picky eating. The goal was to s…

This study looks at whether showing nutrition information on menus—especially through a digital app with augmented reality—helps customers choose healthier meals. About 240 adults dining at two Hispanic restaurants in Texas will try three menu types: a standard menu, a paper menu…

This study measured how often adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) show signs of eating disorders, including avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Researchers used questionnaires to assess eating habits and nutritional status…

This completed study looked at how 26 premature infants and babies with Pierre Robin sequence suck. The goal was to better understand their feeding challenges so doctors and families can offer better support. Researchers used a special device to measure sucking patterns, aiming t…

This study looked at how certain personality traits and brain activity are linked to eating disorder symptoms in teenage girls. Researchers used brain scans to measure responses to rewards and followed up one year later to see how symptoms changed. The goal was to better understa…

This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with eating disorders and their families in Canada. Researchers tested virtual support groups led by parents who have been through similar experiences. They interviewed parents, youth, and healthcare workers to see …

This completed observational study from Karolinska Institutet looked at 312 children and teens with obesity who used a digital treatment tool called Evira at home. Researchers checked their medical records to see if any developed signs of disordered eating or were diagnosed with …

This small study looked at how exercise influences appetite in women who experience loss of control eating, like binge eating or bulimia. Researchers measured food intake and appetite-related hormones after exercise versus rest. The goal was to gather initial data to guide future…

This study looked at how children ages 8 to 17 use smartphones and tablets, including social media and games, and how that relates to their mental health, sleep, and physical activity. Over 900 children and their parents used the Aura app and completed surveys for three months. T…

This study looked at how fear, stomach discomfort, and feelings of fullness are connected in women with eating disorders. 133 women ate a yogurt described as either high-fat or low-fat (though both were the same) while researchers measured their fear, stomach symptoms, and gut ho…

This study looked at how eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia, impact blood sugar levels in women with type 1 diabetes. Researchers compared glucose control between those with and without eating disorders. The goal was to better understand these risks and improve screening …

This study measured stomach electrical activity and hunger-related hormones in 23 adults with and without food addiction. Researchers compared stomach readings, hormone levels, and feelings of hunger to learn how the body's physiology differs in food addiction. The goal was to ga…

This study compared a new personalized treatment for eating disorders (called Network-Informed Personalized Treatment) with the current standard therapy (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). 80 adults with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia took part. The goal was to se…

This completed study looked at 115 young people aged 10 to 25 with type 1 diabetes in Spain. Participants filled out an online survey about their mental health, eating habits, and how well they manage their diabetes. The goal was to see if these factors differ by age and sex, and…

This study aimed to find out if people with eating disorders have unusual antibodies that attack natural chemicals controlling appetite. Researchers collected blood samples from 211 participants, including patients with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, and healthy volunteers. …

This study looked at whether taking out the nasogastric feeding tube right after removing a breathing tube helps ICU patients start eating by mouth sooner. Swallowing problems are common after ICU stays, and the feeding tube itself might delay recovery. 112 adults who had been on…

This study looked at brain activity in 108 women to see if overeating shares features with addiction. Researchers measured brain waves (P300) while women listened to sounds, and also asked about eating habits and mood. The goal was to compare obese women with eating disorders to …

This completed study followed 1,290 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for two years. Researchers tracked mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and eating problems alongside daily blood sugar levels using smartphone surveys and continuous glucose monitors. The goal wa…

This study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…

This completed study interviewed 28 women with a history of bulimia or binge-eating disorder about their pregnancy and postpartum experiences. Researchers aimed to understand how these women cope with body changes and interact with healthcare services. The goal is to improve care…

This study looked at whether teenagers with restrictive eating disorders, like anorexia or ARFID, have different sensory processing compared to healthy teens. Researchers used questionnaires to measure sensory sensitivity and also screened for autism and anxiety. The goal was to …