Understanding Binge Eating Disorder in Obese Adolescents
Precursors of Binge Eating Disorder in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents With Obesity: Early MRI Markers of Brain Reward and Inhibition Processing Dysfunction
This study looks at how brain patterns in overweight teens aged 12 to 16 might help us understand and prevent binge eating disorder before it starts.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fundació Sant Joan de Déu Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona) |
| Trial ID | NCT06387719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the precursors of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in adolescents with obesity, focusing on those aged 12 to 16 years. It will utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze brain connectivity patterns that may predict the development of BED from subthreshold conditions known as PREC-BED. Participants will be followed for one year to assess the progression of their eating behaviors and mental health. The study seeks to identify early markers that could help in diagnosing and preventing BED in at-risk youth.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12 to 16 years with obesity and either diagnosed BED or subthreshold eating behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbid psychiatric disorders or neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier identification and intervention strategies for adolescents at risk of developing Binge Eating Disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that MRI-based approaches can successfully identify brain connectivity patterns associated with eating disorders, suggesting potential for this study's methodology.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients derived to the Endocrinology Department with obesity as the main criterion for consultation, measured as body mass index (BMI) z-score above 2 standard deviations. * Age between 12-16 years old. * Signed informed consent by parents or legal guardians of subjects, plus the signed consent by the adolescent when being 12 or older years/old. Additional inclusion criteria for the BED and PREC-BED groups: * The presence of DSM-5 criteria for BED in the BED group. * Fulfilling the LOC (loss of control) criteria (related to the original Marcus\&Kalarchian) in the PREC-BED group. Exclusion Criteria: * Intelligence quotient \< 70 measured with the K-BIT. * Any comorbid psychiatric disorder, except BED in the BED group or PREC-BED in the PREC-BED group. Tobacco use and the presence of an adaptative disorder or any mild anxiety disorder will be accepted in all groups. * Traumatic brain injury or any neurological disorder. * Use of dental braces (due to important artifact in MRI). * MRI: Absolute contraindications (e.g.: metal objects), relative contraindications (claustrophobia). Anthropometric measures: Weight \> 150Kg or shoulder to shoulder measurement \> 70 cm. * Any severe medical conditions (including Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome), except for obesity and metabolic syndrome. * Not signing the informed consent. * Pregnancy for females.
Where this trial is running
Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu — Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Esther Via, PhD — Hospital Sant Joan de Deu
- Study coordinator: Esther Via, PhD
- Email: evia@hsjdbcn.es
- Phone: +34 673342094
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.