Understanding how gut sensations affect eating disorders

Investigation of Gastrointestinal Interoception in the Maintenance of Disordered Eating Behaviors

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-10998347

This study is looking at how people with eating disorders, like anorexia, feel and react to sensations in their stomachs and how this might affect their eating habits, with the goal of finding better ways to help them feel better and eat healthier.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10998347 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how individuals with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and related conditions, process sensations from their gastrointestinal (GI) system. It aims to understand the relationship between heightened sensitivity to GI sensations and the maintenance of disordered eating behaviors. By examining the mechanisms behind altered GI experiences, the study seeks to inform new treatment strategies that could include medical interventions and exposure therapies. Patients may be asked to participate in assessments that explore their GI sensations and responses to food intake.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have eating disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with eating disorders by addressing the underlying GI interoceptive dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on GI interoception in eating disorders is relatively novel, related research has shown that addressing sensory processing can improve treatment outcomes in other psychological conditions.

Where this research is happening

TAMPA, 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 →

Conditions: Behavior Disorders

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.