Remote Binge Eating Research Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Northwestern University are testing a new app to help teens manage their eating and weight. With participants’ help, we’ll launch an app for teens by teens!
Fast Facts
Ages 13-17
Tend to Overeat or Experience a Loss of Control While Eating
Compensation Provided
Conducted Online
Study Background
The University of Pittsburgh and Northwestern University are conducting the Project VIBE (Virtual Intervention for Binge Eating) study.
This study involves testing a new Smartphone app aimed at helping teens improve their eating, body image, and physical/mental health.
Participants will be asked to take part in a 16-week test of an app, reviewing design features and content of the app, and discussing its application to improve eating habits and overall health.
Make your voice heard!
Study Background
The University of Pittsburgh and Northwestern University are conducting the Project VIBE (Virtual Intervention for Binge Eating) study.
This study involves designing a new Smartphone app aimed at helping teens improve their eating, body image, and physical/mental health.
Participants will attend a “design session” visit where teens will provide feedback on the content and format of this proposed app. Teens and their parent will talk with the research team about what parts of an online program would best support helping people their age with overeating, emotional eating, or eating when not hungry.
Make your voice heard!
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to test a new Smartphone app aimed at helping teens manage their eating and weight.
This research study is for teens.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 13-17
- Tend to overeat, eat when not physically hungry, or eat for emotional reasons
- Interested in managing their overeating, out of control eating, and/or their weight
- Not currently taking medication for eating or weight disorders
- No condition known to affect eating or weight
- Have a smartphone, an email address, access to a scale, and are willing to use a mobile app with coaching
- Fluent in English
- If female, not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Elevated weight status
- Parents and their teen will first complete an eligibility screening survey online via REDCap.
- If eligible, parents and their teen will be invited to complete initial virtual assessments (done over Zoom), questionnaires about the teen’s eating habits, and provide the teen’s height and weight.
- Participating teens will use an app with coaching, an electronic scale, and wear a Fitbit for 16 weeks.
- Parents and their teen will complete virtual assessments again during and after the 16-week test (mid-test, post-test, and 4-months post-test).
Teens can earn up to $400 total if they do all the study assessments and activities over the course of the 8-month trial. This includes compensation for completing virtual visits, wearing the FitBit regularly, and completing calls with the research team.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
