Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder, characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food rapidly while feeling a loss of control, without the compensatory behaviors seen in bulimia nervosa. It is closely linked with obesity, depression, and metabolic complications, and substantially impairs quality of life. Many people live with BED for years before receiving a diagnosis or treatment.
What's actually going on in research
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most evidence-based psychological treatment and achieves remission in a meaningful portion of patients. Lisdexamfetamine is the only FDA-approved medication specifically for BED, reducing binge frequency. Newer research is exploring GLP-1 receptor agonists — which powerfully reduce appetite and compulsive eating — as well as topiramate, naltrexone combinations, and digital and app-based CBT delivery to reach the many who cannot access in-person care.
GLP-1 receptor agonists
GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide are being studied in BED, with early evidence suggesting meaningful reductions in binge frequency and body weight, though trials are ongoing.
Digital CBT delivery
App-based and telehealth CBT programs are in trials to expand access to evidence-based psychological care for people with BED who face barriers to traditional in-person therapy.
Combination pharmacotherapy
Naltrexone/bupropion and topiramate-based combinations are being evaluated for their effects on binge episode frequency and the emotional drivers of loss-of-control eating.
What to know before you search
Eligibility is generally based on DSM-5 BED diagnosis, binge episode frequency, and absence of compensatory purging behaviors.
What types of trials are currently open
- GLP-1 agonist trials — Testing semaglutide and related agents for reduction of binge episodes and associated weight gain.
- Digital therapy trials — Evaluating app-based and telehealth cognitive behavioral therapy as scalable first-line treatments.
- Combination medication trials — Studying naltrexone/bupropion, topiramate, and other drug combinations for binge frequency reduction.
- Neurostimulation trials — Investigating transcranial magnetic stimulation and related approaches targeting food reward circuits.
- Integrated care trials — Testing combined psychological and medical treatment models that address both eating disorder and weight outcomes.
Recently added Binge Eating Disorder trials
Receive either sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the type of weight-loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass) affects binge eating, depression, and anxiety in adults with severe obesity. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does sleeve gastrectomy lead to different changes in binge eating compared with gastric bypass? Does the type of surgery lead to different changes in depression and anxiety symptoms? Researchers will compare people who have sleeve gastrectomy with those who have gastric bypass to see if there are differences in binge eating, depression, and anxiety levels up to 12 months after surgery. Participants will: Complete questionnaires about eating habits, mood, anxiety, general health, and body image before surgery. Undergo either a sleeve gastrectomy or a gastric bypass operation (both are standard care). Follow a standard post-surgery diet plan. Attend follow-up visits at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and then monthly for 12 months, where they will complete the same questionnaires again.
Reset Challenge: Reducing High-risk Drinking for Cancer Prevention
This is a single-arm, non-randomized, prospective study to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 30-day mobile Health (mHealth) Reset Challenge for reducing high-risk drinking.
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