Using a ketogenic diet to help individuals recover from anorexia nervosa

Ketogenic Diet in Weight Recovered Anorexia Nervosa to Target Metabolism and Normalize Persistent Eating Disorder Psychopathology

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11138731

This study is looking at how a ketogenic diet might help people who have recovered from anorexia nervosa by seeing if it can improve brain function and reduce lingering eating disorder symptoms, and we're inviting participants to join us in exploring this exciting possibility!

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11138731 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of a ketogenic diet on individuals who have recovered from anorexia nervosa. The study aims to understand how this diet may influence brain metabolism and alleviate persistent eating disorder symptoms. Participants will undergo assessments using advanced imaging techniques to measure brain glucose metabolism and other biological markers. The research will compare the outcomes of those on the ketogenic diet with a healthy control group to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have recovered from anorexia nervosa and are interested in exploring dietary interventions to support their mental health.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently underweight or actively struggling with anorexia nervosa may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel dietary intervention to help improve recovery outcomes for individuals with anorexia nervosa.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that dietary interventions like ketosis may have therapeutic effects on eating disorder symptoms, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, 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.