Try a smartphone app designed to help manage binge eating and improve self-esteem

Back to Eating Disorders (Excluding Anorexia Nervosa) trials

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new smartphone app called BEST-U that helps college students manage binge eating and bulimia through short lessons and coaching calls. The app teaches practical skills based on proven therapy techniques, and combines it with brief phone or video sessions with a coach. The goal is to make effective treatment easier to access for students who might otherwise struggle to get help.

Eating disorders like binge eating and bulimia are increasingly common on college campuses, but many students can't access treatment due to long wait times, cost, or difficulty getting to appointments. This trial exists to test whether a convenient, app-based treatment can help more students get the care they need.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you are enrolled as a student at the University of Kansas
you have been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or a milder form of either condition
you have access to a smartphone and can read and speak fluent English
you do not have current thoughts of suicide with intent to harm yourself
if you take psychiatric medications, you have been on a stable dose for at least four weeks before enrolling

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or are significantly underweight (BMI below 19.5)
you are currently receiving therapy or treatment for an eating disorder
you have a serious medical condition like Type 1 diabetes, cancer, or severe heart problems that your doctor says would make outpatient treatment unsafe
you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications like corticosteroids that could interfere with the study
you have active substance abuse, psychosis, or other serious mental health symptoms that would make it unsafe or difficult to participate

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you'll use a smartphone app with short lessons (about 10 minutes each) delivered over 12 weeks, plus have brief coaching sessions (20–30 minutes) with a trained counselor. You'll be randomly assigned to either the new BEST-U app or a comparison program that focuses on managing daily stress. The app tracks your eating patterns and teaches skills to reduce binge eating and improve how you feel about yourself.

Testing a smartphone app to help college students with binge eating

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)