Genetic study on eating disorders

Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2

Observational University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT06594913

This study is trying to understand the genetic and environmental causes of eating disorders by gathering information from 20,000 people with different eating disorders and healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20000 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Chapel Hill, North Carolina and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06594913 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2 aims to enroll 20,000 participants with various eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, as well as control subjects. The study focuses on increasing diversity and understanding the genetic and environmental factors associated with these conditions. Participants will complete questionnaires and provide saliva samples for genetic analysis, which will help researchers identify connections between different eating disorders and inform future treatment development.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 12-99 with a history of specified eating disorders or no history of disordered eating behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of subthreshold disordered eating behaviors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals with eating disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on the genetics of eating disorders have shown promise, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A lifetime history of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorders or no history of any disordered eating behavior, based on DSM-5 criteria algorithms
* Age 12-99 years, depending on country. (US enrollment age is 18-99)

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of subthreshold disordered eating behaviors.

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, North Carolina and 4 other locations

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 Anorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaBinge-Eating DisorderAvoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disordersevere and enduring eating disordergeneticsmental healthdisordered eating
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.