Healthy Eating and Self-Esteem Program for University Students
Building Healthy Eating and Self-Esteem Together for University Students (BEST-U): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an mHealth Intervention for Binge-Spectrum Disorders
This trial will test a smartphone-based guided self-help CBT program to help University of Kansas students with bulimia or binge-eating reduce disordered eating and improve self-esteem.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 74 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lawrence, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07060534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial compares an mHealth guided self-help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program tailored for university students with present-centered therapy. Participants are KU-enrolled students aged 18 or older with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or subthreshold forms who have a smartphone and can read English. The app includes core CBT components such as food and symptom monitoring and re-establishment of regular eating patterns, with support delivered by non-specialist providers to improve scalability. Outcomes include changes in eating-disorder symptoms, engagement with the app, and feasibility of campus-based delivery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are University of Kansas students aged 18 or older with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or sub-threshold BN/BED who have a smartphone, are fluent in English, and are medically and psychiatrically stable (including stable psychotropic medication dosing).
Not a fit: Patients with anorexia nervosa, current moderate-to-severe suicidal intent, active substance-use disorder, psychosis, significant medical instability (e.g., electrolyte disturbance, acute complications of malnutrition), or contraindicated medical conditions/medications are unlikely to benefit and are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could expand access to evidence-based CBT for students on campus, reducing binge-eating and purging behaviors and improving academic and mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous digital guided self-help CBT programs for binge-eating and bulimic symptoms have shown modest symptom reductions and improved access, though engagement and retention have been variable.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years. * Student enrolled at KU. * Bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge-eating disorder (BED) (or sub-threshold BN or BED). * Access to a smartphone. * No uncorrected vision problems that would interfere with ability to participate in the study. * Students taking psychotropic medications must be on a stable therapeutic dose for four weeks prior to study enrollment. * Able to read and speak fluent English. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of current moderate/severe suicidal ideation with active intent. * Significant psychopathology that could interfere with treatment (e.g., current substance-use disorder or psychosis). * Medical conditions or medications that could interfere with treatment (e.g., Type 1 diabetes mellitus, cancer, current pregnancy or nursing, taking corticosteroids, etc.). * Lab abnormalities indicating medical instability (e.g., low heart rate, electrolyte disturbance, acute medical complications of malnutrition) or another medical problem that would prevent outpatient care as determined through physical health assessment by the student's local clinician. * Already receiving therapy for an ED. * Positive screen for anorexia nervosa (AN), atypical AN (AAN), and/or low body weight (i.e., BMI \< 19.5) or avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
Where this trial is running
Lawrence, Kansas
- University of Kansas, Wakarusa Research Facility — Lawrence, Kansas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kelsie Forbush, PhD — University of Kansas
- Study coordinator: Kelsie Forbush, PhD
- Email: kforbush@ku.edu
- Phone: 785-864-6525
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.