Ketogenic diet's effects on brain response in individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa
Official title: Ketogenic Diet in Weight Recovered Anorexia Nervosa to Normalize Brain Metabolism and Persistent Eating Disorder Psychopathology
Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT06540703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special ketogenic diet can change how the brains of people who have recovered from anorexia nervosa work, compared to healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 2, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 2029 |
| Study ends | January 2030 |
| Registry record updated | April 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06540703 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-45 who have recovered from restricting-type anorexia nervosa with a BMI greater than 17.5.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently pregnant, nursing, or with a history of severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of a therapeutic ketogenic diet (TKD) on individuals who have recovered from anorexia nervosa (wrAN) by comparing their brain glucose metabolism to that of healthy controls. Participants will undergo 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scans before and after a 14-week TKD intervention to assess changes in brain function. The study aims to establish metabolic markers related to anorexia nervosa and evaluate the safety and tolerability of the diet. Follow-up assessments will occur over six months to determine the stability of symptom improvement post-intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel dietary intervention that improves brain function and reduces symptoms in individuals with a history of anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have gone: While some small studies have suggested that ketosis may be beneficial for anorexia nervosa, this approach is still relatively novel and untested on a larger scale.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Weight Recovered Anorexia Nervosa (wrAN) * Age 18-45 years old * Male and Female sexes * All ethnic backgrounds * History of restricting-type anorexia nervosa (AN) according to DSM-5 criteria * Weight recovered with a body mass index \> 17.5 for at least one month at the time of study * Elevated eating disorder-relevant behaviors on the Eating Disorders Inventory-3 and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Healthy Control Group * Age 18-45 years old * Male and Female sexes * All ethnic backgrounds * Normal lifetime BMI according to CDC Exclusion Criteria: Weight Recovered Anorexia Nervosa (AN) * Current pregnancy or nursing (will have to agree to contraceptive measures if sexually active) * Lifetime history of bipolar I disorder or psychosis * Current substance abuse or dependence in the past 3 months * Psychotic illness/other organic brain syndromes, dementia, somatization disorders or conversion disorders * History of significant head trauma * Indication of intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder Healthy Control Group * No lifetime psychiatric illness and in particular no eating disorder history * Not be taking medication, and will not have a first degree relative with an eating disorder. No subject in either group will have or be * mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorder * organic brain syndrome * dementia * psychotic disorder * bipolar disorder * somatic symptom * conversion disorder * current alcohol or substance use disorder * indication of major medical illness including a history of seizure disorder * pregnant or nursing at the time of the study * a history of traumatic brain injury. * diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders that could worsen on a ketogenic diet * intracranial or any other metal object within or near the head that cannot be safely removed, excluding the mouth * implanted neurostimulators, intracardiac lines, or heart disease
Where it's running
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University of California San Diego
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting
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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.