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Anorexia Nervosa Research Study

Researchers at the Eating Disorders Center at UC San Diego are testing a novel dietary intervention to target metabolic pathways in the brain and reduce the urges associated with anorexia nervosa.

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Fast Facts

Ages 18-45

Have a BMI Between 16.0-17.49 kg/m^2

Currently Struggling with Eating Disorder Thoughts & Behaviors

Compensation Provided

Conducted in San Diego

Study Background

Anorexia nervosa is a severe illness and no biological treatments exist. Researchers at UC San Diego are testing a new nutritional intervention aimed at changing the way the body thinks about eating and activity.

During the study, participants will follow the ketogenic diet for 14 weeks, with meals provided by our study team. There will be weekly in-person study visits for blood draws, and interviews and questionnaires that can be done virtually or in-person. Participants will also follow up with the study team 3 times within the year of completing the  intervention.

Study Background

Anorexia nervosa is a severe illness and no biological treatments exist. Researchers at UC San Diego are testing a new nutritional intervention aimed at changing the way the body thinks about eating and activity.

During the study, participants will follow the ketogenic diet for 14 weeks, with meals provided by our study team. There will be weekly in-person study visits for blood draws, and interviews and questionnaires that can be done virtually or in-person. Participants will also follow up with the study team 3 times within the year of completing the  intervention.

Apply Now

Additional Information

This study is being done to test the effectiveness of an intervention for symptoms of anorexia nervosa in adults.

You may qualify for the study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18-45
  • Current Anorexia Nervosa
    • Currently struggling with eating disorder thoughts and behaviors
    • BMI between 16.0-17.49 kg/m^2

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Taking psychiatric medications other than antidepressants, anxiolytics, or atypicals
  • Currently pregnant or lactating
  • Experiencing psychosis
  • Kidney or liver abnormalities
  • Current alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD)
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • History of recent heart attack, vascular disease, or any other acute medical conditions
  • Neurological conditions (e.g. dementia, TBI)

Participation in this study will involve a variety activities, virtual and in-person:

  • Screening (virtual) – phone screening and questionnaires
  • In person Screening Visit (must be in person)– diagnostic interview, blood draw, genetic testing
  • Pre-Induction Visit (virtual or in person) – meeting with study dietician
  • Induction Period (Weeks 1 – 2, virtual or in person) – daily ketone readings, weekly meetings with study dietician and PI, questionnaires
  • Maintenance Period (Weeks 3 – 14, virtual or in person) – weekly meetings with study dietician and PI, questionnaires
  • Weekly labs (in person) – weekly blood draw to measure ketone levels, monitor for referring syndrome and electrolytes
  • Exit Interview (in person and virtual) – meeting with PI and study dietician, completion of exit questionnaires, blood draw
  • Follow-up Visits (virtual or in person) – meeting with PI and study dietician, completion of questionnaires at 3-months, 6-months and 1-year after completion of the study intervention

Participants can earn up to $800 across the course of the study and receive 14 weeks of ketogenic diet meals.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.

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