Improving eating habits and self-esteem for college students using a mobile app
Official title: Building Healthy Eating and Self-Esteem Together for University Students (BEST-U): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an mHealth Intervention for Binge-Spectrum Disorders
Funded at University of Kansas Lawrence · NIH-11036075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help university students who are struggling with eating disorders, especially after the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, by using a friendly mobile app that offers support and tools to improve their eating habits and boost their self-esteem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lawrence, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,521 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH134930-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are university students experiencing binge eating or related eating disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to smartphones or mobile technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing eating disorders among university students, particularly in the wake of increased prevalence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to enhance access to treatment through a mobile health application that delivers guided self-help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The intervention is designed to reduce binge eating by addressing underlying concerns related to diet and body image. Participants will engage with the app to receive support and strategies for improving their eating behaviors and self-esteem.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide an accessible and effective treatment option for college students struggling with binge eating and related issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for mobile health interventions in treating eating disorders, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Lawrence
Lawrence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forbush, Kelsie Terese — University of Kansas Lawrence
- Study coordinator: Forbush, Kelsie Terese
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for insomnia phenotypes with high blood pressure
A clinical study tests how CBT-I and the sleep drug trazodone work for adults with insomnia and high blood pressure, focusing on a specific sleep duration pattern.
-
Shorter antifungal treatment for kids with candidemia
A multi-center pediatric trial tests whether a shorter, 7 extra days of antifungal therapy after an initial 7 days is just as good as the standard 14-day approach for kids with candidemia who are improving on echinocandin therapy.
-
Short Course vs Standard Course Antifungal Therapy for Pediatric Candidemia
This study tests whether a shorter 7-day total antifungal treatment after an initial 7 days of echinocandin therapy is as effective as the usual 14-day course for children with candidemia.
-
Shorter antifungal treatment for kids with candidemia
A multi-center study tests whether kids with candidemia can finish treatment earlier after an initial week of antifungal therapy than the standard two weeks total.
-
Shorter antifungal treatment for kids with candidemia
This study tests whether children with candidemia can finish treatment after 7 days of an echinocandin if they are improving, instead of completing a full 14 days.
-
Shorter antifungal course for kids with candidemia
A multi-center study tests whether 7 extra days of antifungal therapy after an initial week of treatment can be shortened safely for children with candidemia.
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.