Comparing EMDR and CBT for treating obesity and binge eating disorder in hospitalized women

Preliminary Findings of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of EMDR vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Inpatients With Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder: the EMDRDCA Study.

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Auxologico Italiano · NCT06474689

This study is testing whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help women in the hospital with obesity and binge eating disorder feel better compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment8 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIstituto Auxologico Italiano Academic / other
Locations1 site (Piancavallo, Verbania)
Trial IDNCT06474689 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for treating female inpatients with obesity and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) who have experienced trauma. The study involves a randomized controlled design where participants will undergo a 4-week intervention of either EMDR or CBT while in a residential rehabilitation program. The primary outcomes measured will include reductions in binge eating symptoms, emotional eating, psychological distress, and improvements in emotion regulation. The trial aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of EMDR for this specific patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female inpatients aged 18 to 65 with obesity and a diagnosis of BED who have experienced at least one traumatic event.

Not a fit: Patients with other physical or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a more effective treatment option for women with obesity and BED, particularly those with a history of trauma.

How similar studies have performed: While CBT is a well-established treatment for BED, the use of EMDR in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

being a female Italian inpatient with obesity (Body Mass Index BMI: Kg/m2\>30, WHO) and BED (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, DSM-5), aged between 18 and 65 years, and with a self-reported history of one traumatic experience at least.

Exclusion Criteria:

any physical or psychiatric disorder, or any other medical condition that could compromise participation in the RCT.

Where this trial is running

Piancavallo, Verbania

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Binge-Eating DisorderBinge Eating disorderObesityTraumaCognitive Behavioral TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.