Mobile app training to strengthen control over food
Testing FoodTraining (FoodT): A Mobile App to Train Inhibitory Control Towards Food and Augment Standard Treatment for People With Eating and Weight Disorders
This project tests whether a four-week mobile app (FoodTraining) can strengthen food-related self-control for people with obesity, binge-eating disorder, or bulimia who are receiving usual outpatient care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 113 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Padova Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Padova, Padova) |
| Trial ID | NCT07075952 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional project will enroll 113 participants with obesity, binge-eating disorder, or bulimia nervosa and offer a food-specific inhibitory control training via the FoodTraining app in addition to treatment as usual (TAU), compared with TAU alone. Participants complete questionnaires at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks measuring eating behaviour, eating-disorder symptoms, mood, social functioning and quality of life. They will also use the FoodTracker app for ecological momentary assessments of intake, thoughts and emotions, and wear non-invasive sensors for glucose monitoring. The trial focuses on feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and clinical impact on emotional and uncontrolled eating.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: People with obesity (BMI > 30) or a clinician-diagnosed binge-eating disorder or bulimia nervosa who speak Italian or English and have access to a smartphone or tablet are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with untreated psychosis, intellectual disability, uncorrected visual impairment, or those without a compatible mobile device may not be suitable and are unlikely to benefit from this app-based intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could provide an easy-to-access adjunct that helps reduce overeating and improves self-control around food when used alongside usual treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and small clinical studies of inhibitory-control trainings have shown mixed but sometimes modest reductions in food intake or binge episodes, while delivering this approach via a mobile app remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI in the obesity range (\>30) or a clinician-formulated diagnosis of binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa; * knowledge of Italian or English; * access to a mobile device (e.g. smartphone, tablet). Exclusion Criteria: * visual impairment not corrected by glasses * a diagnosis of psychosis; * intellectual disability.
Where this trial is running
Padova, Padova
- Psychiatry Unit, University Hospital, Padova and Bariatric Unit, University Hospital, Padova — Padova, Padova, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Valentina Cardi, PhD — Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Study coordinator: Valentina Cardi, PhD
- Email: valentina.cardi@unipd.it
- Phone: +39049827
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.