COR program for treating binge eating in Chilean adults
A Pilot Study on the Feasibility and Acceptability of the COR (Body Compassion-Emotional Regulation-Conscious Reconnection With Eating) Protocol for Addressing Binge Eating in Chilean Adults
This project will try an eight-week online COR program to help adults in Chile who have recurrent binge-eating episodes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad Catolica de Temuco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Temuco, La Araucanía) |
| Trial ID | NCT07435974 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The COR protocol is a brief, manualized online psychological program that integrates body compassion, emotion-regulation skills, and conscious reconnection with food, drawing on CBT and DBT components. In this pilot interventional trial, participants complete a brief pre-session, eight weekly individual online sessions, and a one-month follow-up to capture short-term change. The study emphasizes implementation outcomes—feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and dropout—while also measuring preliminary changes in binge-eating distress and emotional well-being. Sessions use a non-weight-centered framework with experiential work on urges, cravings, and developing a more compassionate relationship with the body and eating.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (18+) with self-reported overweight or obesity who have had at least three binge-eating episodes in the past 30 days, have medically stable chronic conditions and stable psychotropic medication if present, and have daily internet access and a device for online sessions.
Not a fit: Patients without recurrent binge episodes, those who do not meet the overweight self-report criterion, individuals with unstable medical or psychiatric conditions or recent medication changes, or people lacking reliable internet access are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the COR program could reduce binge-eating distress and help people develop a more flexible, compassionate relationship with eating through an accessible online format.
How similar studies have performed: Elements drawn from CBT and DBT have shown benefit for binge-eating symptoms in prior research, but the integrated COR protocol itself is novel and has not been tested in large trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older. * Overweight or obesity, based on self-report. * At least three binge-eating episodes in the past 30 days, associated with psychological distress. * The presence of chronic medical conditions commonly associated with overweight or obesity (e.g., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or polycystic ovary syndrome) is permitted, provided that such conditions are medically stable. * If present, chronic medical conditions must be medically stable, defined as: * stable medical treatment for at least 12 weeks, * no recent changes in medication, * no acute clinical decompensation or recent major cardiovascular events, * at least one related medical follow-up visit in the past 12 months. * If present, psychopharmacological treatment must be stable, defined as no changes in medication type or dosage during the 12 weeks prior to enrollment. * Daily access to the internet and to a computer or smartphone that allows participation in online sessions and assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Current compensatory behaviors associated with binge eating, such as self-induced vomiting and/or regular use of laxatives, within the past 60 days. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding at the time of the initial assessment. * History of bariatric surgery. * Active suicidal ideation * Current symptoms consistent with severe mental disorders, such as psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, or severe personality disorders, when associated with marked functional impairment or the need for specialized or higher-intensity clinical care. * Current substance use pattern that, due to its severity or functional impact, requires specialized clinical treatment. * Ongoing psychological and/or nutritional treatment at the time of enrollment, defined as regular sessions or an active treatment plan, regardless of treatment focus or therapeutic approach. * Presence of active or medically unstable conditions, characterized by clinically significant symptoms, lack of medical follow-up, or recent changes in medication, that could interfere with participation in the intervention or substantially affect eating behavior or mood. * Significant functional impairment that, in the clinical judgment of the research team, would limit the participant's ability to engage safely and consistently in the intervention.
Where this trial is running
Temuco, La Araucanía
- Universidad Católica de Temuco — Temuco, La Araucanía, Chile (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neli Escandon, PhD — Universidad Catolica de Temuco
- Study coordinator: Neli Escandon, PhD
- Email: nescandon@uct.cl
- Phone: +56452685078
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.