Gastrointestinal symptoms during weight restoration in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with different diets
Official title: Development of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa During Weight Rehabilitation Over Time, Depending on the Nutritional Strategy
Run by University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT07112014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether different nutritional strategies (flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan) change gastrointestinal symptoms during multi-week inpatient weight rehabilitation for people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 185 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Tuebingen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bad Bevensen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07112014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people over age 12 with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (any subtype) or bulimia nervosa who are clinically stable and admitted for multi-week inpatient weight rehabilitation at the participating center and can give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are medically unable to complete weekly questionnaires, who are not receiving inpatient weight rehabilitation, or who are medically unstable are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective observational study at the Eating Disorder Center of Klinik Lüneburger Heide that follows patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) through multi-week inpatient weight rehabilitation. Participants complete weekly gastrointestinal symptom questionnaires (including the GSRS) alongside standard clinical measures such as body weight, body composition, and psychometric instruments. The primary outcome is change in GI symptom severity from admission to discharge analyzed by predominant dietary pattern and weight trajectory. Secondary analyses will examine symptom progression over time, differences between AN and BN, and predictors of symptom improvement such as baseline psychological status and treatment duration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians tailor nutritional plans to reduce GI discomfort and improve comfort and adherence during weight restoration.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior research links dietary composition to gastrointestinal symptoms, but few studies have examined vegetarian or vegan approaches specifically during inpatient weight restoration for eating disorders, so this approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (all subtypes) * patients diagnosed bulimia nervosa Exclusion Criteria: * patients that are medically unable to fill out a short questionnaire on a weekly base.
Where it's running
-
Klinik Lüneburger Heide
Bad Bevensen, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Isabelle Mack, Prof. — University Hospital Tuebingen, Internal Medicine VI, Dept. of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
- Study coordinator: Isabelle Mack, Prof. Dr.
- Email: i.mack@uni-tuebingen.de
- Phone: +49 070712985614
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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.