Home › Trials › NCT06012045
Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Therapy to reduce negative emotional eating

Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy for Negative Emotional Eating

Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT06012045 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new therapy to see if it can help people who eat emotionally due to negative feelings, comparing it to a standard program that focuses on diet and exercise.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment138 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 21, 2023
Main results expectedAugust 30, 2025
Study endsMarch 2, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 6, 2025
Trial IDNCT06012045 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who experience frequent episodes of negative emotional eating.

Probably not a fit

Patients with active suicidal intent, severe psychiatric illnesses, or those currently receiving psychotherapy 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 evaluates the effectiveness of Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy (E-CET) in decreasing negative emotional eating (NEE) compared to a behavioral lifestyle intervention (BLI). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the E-CET group, which receives 6 weeks of specialized therapy, or the BLI group, which focuses on behavioral strategies for diet and exercise. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, after treatment, and at 3- and 12-month follow-ups to assess the long-term impact of the interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce episodes of negative emotional eating, improving overall mental and physical health for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using exposure therapy techniques for treating eating disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* aged 18 or over
* a score \>3.25 on the emotional eating subscale of the Dutch Eating Behavioural Questionnaire lasting for three months or longer
* confirmed to have, on average, two or more NEE episodes per week using ecological momentary assessments (EMAs)

Exclusion Criteria:

* active suicidal intent or plan
* psychiatric illnesses except mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders because mood and anxiety disorders and symptoms are common in those with NEE
* currently receiving psychotherapy, or adjusting to changing psychiatric medication
* substance abuse
* any conditions or circumstances that prevent the participant from receiving all treatment sessions

Where it's running

  • The University of Hong Kong
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Wai Sze Chan, PhD — The University of Hong Kong
  • Study coordinator: Wai Sze Chan, PhD
  • Email: chanwais@hku.hk
  • Phone: +85239172295

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ Find more trials like this →
Browse more
Disordered Eating Behaviors 5Binge Eating 7The University of Hong Kong 192
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.