Therapy to reduce negative emotional eating
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy for Negative Emotional Eating
NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT06012045
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 138 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06012045 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who experience frequent episodes of negative emotional eating.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal intent, severe psychiatric illnesses, or those currently receiving psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using exposure therapy techniques for treating eating disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hong Kong
- 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
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.
Conditions: Disordered Eating Behaviors, Binge Eating, emotional eating, eating disorders, obesity, exposure and response prevention, behavioral therapy, randomized controlled trial