Gastrointestinal symptoms during weight restoration in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with different diets
Development of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa During Weight Rehabilitation Over Time, Depending on the Nutritional Strategy
University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT07112014
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 185 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Tuebingen (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bad Bevensen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07112014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Bad Bevensen
- 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
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.
Conditions: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, gastrointestinal symptoms, gastrointestinal health, dietary regime, psychological health, vegetarian diet, vegan diet