CompletedNot SpecifiedInterventional

Emotion intervention for binge-eating

This study is exploring a new online support program designed to help adults who experience binge eating and are currently waiting for NHS treatment. Many people in the UK have eating disorders, and waiting times for help can be very long. This program offers short videos, worksheets, and a booklet to help people manage difficult emotions, which can often lead to binge eating. Researchers want to find out if this online support is acceptable and helpful to patients and healthcare staff, and how it could be used across NHS eating disorder services in England. The goal is to provide early support while people are waiting for longer-term treatment.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Not Specified

Sponsor

Bournemouth University

Enrolment target

Start

22 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Eating disorders where behaviours include binge eating

What is this study about?

This study is looking at an online program to help people who experience binge eating. Many people in the UK have eating disorders, and it can sometimes take a long time to get help from the NHS. Long waiting times can make symptoms worse.

This online program has been created with the help of people who have experienced eating disorders themselves and healthcare professionals. It aims to help people manage difficult emotions, as these can often be a trigger for binge eating. The program includes easy-to-understand videos, worksheets to help you practice what you've learned, and a booklet to use every day.

The main goal of this study is to see if this online support is useful and easy to use for people with binge eating who are waiting for NHS treatment. We also want to understand how it could be offered more widely across NHS services in England. This research could help to provide important support to patients sooner.

Key takeaways

Tests online support for binge eating while waiting for NHS treatment.
Helps manage emotions with videos, worksheets, and a booklet.
Aims to make early support available to more people.
Developed with input from people who have experienced eating disorders.
Participation involves trying the online tools and giving feedback.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or over. You must also be on an NHS waiting list for treatment for bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder.

You also need to be able to understand English well enough to give your consent to participate. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, unfortunately, you won't be able to join this study, as this study isn’t set up to provide the urgent support you might need.

Healthcare staff working with eating disorder patients at specific NHS trusts (South London and Maudsley Hospital trust or Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) can also take part to share their views.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you waiting for NHS treatment for bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder?
Do you understand English well enough to give consent?
Do you not currently have thoughts of harming yourself?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, the study is divided into a few steps. Firstly, an online tool (called LifeGuide+) will be used to make the support program interactive. Then, a small group of 15 adults from Hampshire will try out the online support. You'll answer some questions about your eating behaviours and emotions before and after using it, and give your feedback on the program itself. Based on this, changes will be made, and another 15 adults from London will then try the updated program.

During this time, healthcare staff will also have group discussions to share their thoughts on the online support and how it could be used. There will also be a brief survey sent to other eating disorder services in England. All of this feedback will be used to make the online support even better. The study is planned to run from July 2023 to July 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you a chance to learn skills for managing difficult emotions through an online program, which we hope will be very helpful. There is a small chance you might find answering some questions about your eating behaviours or emotions a little upsetting, but these are similar questions you may have already answered during your diagnosis. If you ever feel distressed, the online program includes a special 'I need help' section with links to support websites and phone lines. Remember, joining is completely your choice, and you can decide to stop participating at any time.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Southampton, United Kingdom
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Beckenham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is binge eating?

Binge eating involves eating a large amount of food in a short time, often feeling a loss of control during the episode.

Why is this study important?

It aims to provide early support for people with eating disorders who are waiting a long time for NHS treatment, potentially improving their well-being sooner.

What kind of online support will I receive?

The support includes seven short videos, worksheets to practice new skills, and a booklet to use daily, all focused on managing difficult emotions.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all your information will be kept confidential and handled according to strict research guidelines to protect your privacy.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Laura Renshaw-Vuillier

lrenshawvuillier@bournemouth.ac.uk +44 1202964046 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.