Program to prevent eating disorders by enhancing protective factors
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Interactive Non-Stigmatizing Intervention to Prevent Eating Disorders in Youths Through Strengthening of Protective Factors
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT05863598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program aimed at helping young people aged 15-20 who struggle with body image issues to see if it can prevent eating disorders by promoting a healthier relationship with their bodies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 644 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Solna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 15, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05863598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are youth aged 15-20 who report feelings of body dissatisfaction.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with existing eating disorders, depression, or other serious medical conditions 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 randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a prevention program designed to reduce the incidence of eating disorders among youth aged 15-20 who experience body dissatisfaction. The program focuses on enhancing protective factors such as body appreciation, body image flexibility, intuitive eating, and acceptance, and will be compared to a credible placebo intervention involving expressive writing. The study will assess the program's efficacy and cost-effectiveness over a period of 36 months, while also exploring participant experiences and potential gender differences in outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the onset of eating disorders in at-risk youth by promoting healthier body image and eating behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using protective factors for preventing eating disorders, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Youth and young people (15-20 years) with a subjective experience of body dissatisfaction. Exclusion Criteria: Indications of depression, or suicidality, as well as presence of an eating disorder, or other conditions that may require medical attention, or conditions that makes it impossible to complete the intervention (e.g., not being able to read and write in Swedish).
Where it's running
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Karolinska Institutet
Solna, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ata Ghaderi, PhD — PI employed at Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: Ata Ghaderi, PhD
- Email: ata.ghaderi@ki.se
- Phone: +46 8 524 832 48
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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National Highly Specialized Care for adults with treatment-resistant self-harm and eating disorders (Substudy 1)
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A school-based program tests a body-positivity and dissonance-based approach to reduce body dissatisfaction and risk for eating disorders among 13- to 17-year-old athletes in Norway.
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FlexED: Full Threshold Body-Image Intervention for Young Women
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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.