Improving Nutritional Support for Anorexia Nervosa

Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial of Refeeding an Anorexia Nervosa

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11061401

This research compares different ways to provide nutrition to young people hospitalized for anorexia nervosa, aiming to help them recover faster and stay well.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11061401 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Anorexia nervosa often requires hospitalization for nutritional rehabilitation, known as refeeding, but current methods can lead to long stays and frequent readmissions. Our previous work found that a higher-calorie refeeding approach helped patients achieve medical stability sooner without increased risks. This project builds on those findings, further exploring and refining refeeding strategies. We are particularly interested in understanding how these approaches work for patients with "atypical" anorexia nervosa, a growing group who may not appear underweight. The goal is to develop better ways to help young people overcome this serious eating disorder.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults, aged 12-20, who are hospitalized for anorexia nervosa, including those with "atypical" anorexia nervosa.

Not a fit: Patients who are not hospitalized for anorexia nervosa or who fall outside the 12-20 age range may not directly benefit from this specific refeeding approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help young people with anorexia nervosa recover more quickly, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve long-term health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work and a parent trial (StRONG) have shown that a higher-calorie refeeding approach can lead to earlier medical stability and reduced hospital charges.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.