DIGITAL, GAME-BASED EARLY INTERVENTION FOR EATING DISORDERS IN TEEN/YOUNG WOMEN
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing Mechanism Engagement and Clinical Impact of FlexED: A Digital, Gamified Early Intervention for Eating Disorders
Run by Duke University · NCT07632248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests a new digital, gamified program to see if it lowers eating disorder symptoms in girls and young women by helping them relate differently to body thoughts and feelings.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07632248 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are females aged 15–25 with elevated body concerns (Weight Concerns Scale ≥47) who report at least one eating-disorder–related behavior but do not currently have a full-threshold eating disorder diagnosis.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with active major eating disorders or several exclusion criteria (e.g., ongoing treatment for an eating disorder, certain psychiatric conditions) may not benefit and are excluded from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares a digital, ACT-based intervention (FlexED) to an online education control in female participants aged 15–25 who are at risk for eating disorders. Participants complete seven short sessions over about eight weeks, along with surveys and lab assessments to measure reactions to body-related cues and changes in symptoms. The study aims to determine if changing how participants experience body thoughts and triggers reduces eating disorder symptoms and whether the intervention is acceptable and appropriately dosed. Follow-up continues for about one year to assess longer-term outcomes. The trial is led by Duke University with support from the NIMH and is conducted at Duke in Durham, NC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the digital program could provide a scalable way to reduce eating disorder symptoms and improve body image for at-risk young women.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests ACT-based and digital interventions can help with body image and eating-disorder symptoms, though this specific digital, gamified format is novel in this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female between the age of 15-25 years old. * Weight Concerns Scale score of \>=47. * Endorses one or more eating disorder behaviors (e.g., extreme dieting or exercise, subjective or objective binge eating, purging behaviors). Exclusion Criteria: * Currently meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for full threshold anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, or for an eating or feeding disorder that does not include body-image or weight related distress and is not the focus of study (e.g., ARFID, PICA) or a past diagnosis of one of these disorders. * Change in psychotropic medications in the past month. * Active suicidal ideation, current substance use disorder or diagnosed psychotic disorder. * Bipolar disorder not being treated with medication. * Currently in treatment for an eating disorder. * Non-English speaking.
Where it's running
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Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rhonda M Merwin, Ph.D.
- Email: rhonda.merwin@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-681-7231
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.