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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00050570

Reducing Eating Disorder Risk Factors

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a web-based program is effective in reducing the incidence of eating disorders in college women who are at high risk for developing an eating disorder.

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Key information

Conditions

Eating Disorders Feeding and Eating Disorders Mental Disorders Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Digestive

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Stanford University, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Stanford, California, 94305, United States

About this study

Female college students who use unhealthy weight control methods and have body image concerns may be at risk for developing an eating disorder. Developing and evaluating interventions to reduce eating disorders in high-risk populations is of great public health importance.

Participants are randomly assigned to either join a web-based risk-reduction program or receive no intervention. The 9-week risk-reduction program focuses on reducing body image and weight/shape concerns, identifying the risks of eating disorders, and increasing healthy weight regulation practices. The program includes weekly readings, writing assignments, and participation in a moderated electronic discussion group. Changes in body mass index (BMI) and the occurrence of major stressors and psychiatric events are assessed to determine their impact on the incidence of eating disorders. One-year incidence of eating disorders is determined by a diagnostic interview, and follow up may continue for up to 2.5 years.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • College students at risk for developing an eating disorder

Exclusion criteria

  • Suicidal or other severe psychopathology
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Body mass index (BMI) < 18 or > 32
  • Current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or bulimia nervosa and have been in treatment within the past 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Web-based intervention to reduce eating disorder risk factors

Behavioral

Primary outcomes

  1. Onset of an eating disorder

    Time frame: 2 years

    The main outcome is the onset of an eating disorder, as defined by DSM-IV

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in eating disorder behaviors

    Time frame: 2 years

    Eating disorder behaviors as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination. We will also measure attitudes related to eating disorder onset risk

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Stanford University

Other

Collaborators

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Registry information

Official study title

Interventions to Reduce Eating Disorder Risk Factors

Important dates

Study start
2001
Primary completion
2012
Study completion
2012
First posted
Dec 17, 2002
Registry last updated
Mar 18, 2020

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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