Technology Assisted Treatment for Binge Eating
The Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research is looking for adults who experience binge eating episodes to participate in a study aimed at advancing technology for detecting these behaviors.
Fast Facts
Experience Symptoms of Binge Eating
18-65 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Twin Cities, MN
Study Background
Researchers are developing an app to help treat eating disorders.
The purpose of this study is to develop a smartwatch app that can detect binge-eating occurrences. It is hoped that by developing this technology, that it can be used to develop more effective treatments for binge eating. If you were to participate in this study, you would be asked to complete 3 research visits. The visits will be in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. The first visit will take about 4 hours. You will complete questionnaires about your mood, as well as interviews about your eating habits and psychological experiences. In visits 2 and 3, which take up to 3 hours, you will be provided a food buffet, wear a sensor-watch that will be provided by the study team, and afterwards, will complete an interview about your experiences during the food buffet. Following the completion of the third visit, participants will be compensated up to $100.
Study Background
Researchers are developing an app to help treat eating disorders.
This study is being done to develop a smartwatch app that can detect binge-eating occurrences and provide treatment messages in response. Study participants will aid in the process of refining the app to effectively detect binge eating occurrences. If you are eligible and choose to participate, we will ask you to provide input on the feasibility of the app and its contents, as well as its usefulness for individuals struggling with binge eating. It is hoped that by developing this technology, it can be used to develop more effective treatments for binge eating.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to develop a smartwatch app that integrates the detection of binge-eating occurrences and contextual interventions. It is hoped that by developing this technology, it can be used to develop more effective treatments for binge eating.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-65
- Engage in binge eating or experience loss of control over eating 2+ times per week
- No history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
- If female, not pregnant or breastfeeding
- No substance use disorder in the past 6 months
- No suicidal ideation
If you were to participate in this study, you would be asked to complete 3 research visits. The visits will be in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. The first visit will take about 4 hours. You will complete questionnaires about your mood, as well as interviews about your eating habits and psychological experiences. In visits 2 and 3, which take up to 3 hours, you will be provided a food buffet, wear a sensor-watch that will be provided by the study team, and afterwards, will complete an interview about your experiences during the food buffet. Following the completion of the third visit, participants will be compensated up to $100.
As a participant, you can be compensated up to $100 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
