Examining how exercise affects appetite in women with eating disorders

Relationships Between Exercise and Appetite in Women With Loss of Control Eating

Not applicable Interventional Ohio University · NCT06602973

This study tests how different types of exercise affect appetite in women with eating disorders who struggle with loss of control eating.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorOhio University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Athens, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06602973 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the relationship between exercise and appetite specifically in women who experience loss of control eating. Participants will engage in different types of exercise, including rest, fed exercise, and fasted exercise, to assess how these activities influence their appetite. The study aims to gather preliminary data that could inform future interventions for managing eating disorders. Eligible participants must meet specific criteria related to their eating behaviors and physical fitness levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women who engage in loss of control eating and have a clinically significant eating disorder-related impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI below 18.5 kg/m² or those with medical conditions affecting appetite or weight may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for managing appetite and eating behaviors in women with eating disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While this study explores a novel relationship, previous research has indicated potential benefits of exercise in managing eating disorders, suggesting a promising area for further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Engage in loss of control eating at least 12 times in the last three months
* Clinically significant eating disorder-related impairment (CIA \> 15)
* Taking hormonal contraception
* Minimum VO2max of 50th percentile for age and sex assigned at birth
* Be willing to eat study-provided foods
* Likes chocolate (at least 6/10 on 10 point scale)

Exclusion Criteria:

* BMI \< 18.5 kgm/2
* Medical conditions that affect appetite or weight (e.g., diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease)
* Recent pregnancy or breastfeeding (prior 6 months)
* Relevant food allergies (e.g., wheat, chocolate)
* Specific phobia, blood-injection-injury type
* Medical condition that precludes safe participation in exercise (e.g., stress fracture)
* Medications that acutely affect appetite (e.g., GLP-1 agonists; psychiatric medications allowed)

Where this trial is running

Athens, Ohio

Study contacts

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 Eating DisordersBinge-Eating DisorderBulimia Nervosaexerciseeating disorders
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.