Improving awareness of bodily sensations to help adults with binge eating disorders
Official title: Targeting transdiagnostic self-regulatory factors and eating disorder pathology among adults with binge-spectrum eating disorders: A mHealth interoceptive exposure intervention
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11032118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile health program designed to help adults with binge eating disorders better recognize their body signals, like hunger and fullness, using wearable technology and personalized support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $99,413 |
| NIH project number | 1K99MH138634-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of binge eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have binge-spectrum eating disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mobile health intervention aimed at improving the ability to sense bodily sensations, which is often impaired in adults with binge-spectrum eating disorders. The study will utilize a novel approach that combines biofeedback and just-in-time adaptive interventions to help participants connect with sensations like hunger and satiety. By using wearable technology to monitor heart rate variability, the intervention aims to enhance interoception and reduce symptoms of binge eating. Participants will be randomly assigned to different intervention groups to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of these new methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for binge eating disorders, reducing symptoms and improving overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health interventions for behavioral health issues, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although this specific method is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romano, Kelly a. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Romano, Kelly a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.