Observing Eating Behavior Development Related to Eating Disorders

Overseen By Alex Jeanpierre

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Developmental delays, Foster child, Health problems, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to study the development of children's eating behaviors, focusing on their reactions to different food presentations and related questionnaires. Researchers hope to gain insights into early signs of eating disorders by observing these behaviors. Children between 5 and 7 years old who previously participated in "The Development of Eating Behavior in Infancy" project may be a good fit. Families should live close enough to the University of Michigan for easy participation. The trial excludes children with significant developmental delays or health problems affecting appetite or growth. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research on childhood eating behaviors.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that these food protocols are safe for children?

Research has shown that the food plans used in studies about eating habits are generally safe and easy for participants to manage. These studies examine how people respond to different foods and inquire about their eating patterns. No reports of negative effects have emerged from these studies. The aim is to understand eating behaviors better, not to change them. Participants typically engage in activities like viewing food displays and completing surveys. Since this study focuses on observing behavior rather than testing a new drug or treatment, the safety risks remain very low. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the trial focusing on food protocols because it aims to uncover how eating behaviors develop in relation to eating disorders. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on therapy and medications, this approach dives into the root of eating behaviors themselves. By observing and analyzing eating behavior activities, the hope is to gain a deeper understanding of the patterns and triggers that lead to disorders. This could pave the way for more personalized and effective prevention strategies and interventions in the future.

What evidence suggests that these food protocols are effective for observing eating behavior development?

Research has shown that changes in eating habits are a key part of eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Studies have found that early detection and intervention of these changes can be crucial. In this trial, participants will engage in eating behavior activities, which include structured food presentations and observation of eating patterns, to help identify behaviors that might lead to eating disorders. These activities aim to understand and modify unhealthy eating habits before they become more serious. By focusing on these early behaviors, the trial seeks to prevent the onset of eating disorders. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Julie Lumeng, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children aged 5 to nearly 8 years old and their parents, who previously took part in a study on infant eating behavior. They must live close enough to the University of Michigan to travel there. Children with developmental delays or health issues affecting appetite or growth cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

My child and I previously participated in a study on eating behavior and we live near the University of Michigan.

Exclusion Criteria

My child has severe developmental delays or health issues affecting their eating or growth.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Eating behavior activities

Participants engage in activities involving the presentation of food and observation of behavioral responses, as well as completion of questionnaires

1-2 years

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in BMI and dietary intake over time

1-2 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Food protocols

Trial Overview

The study investigates how early eating behaviors affect diet, behavior, and growth later at school age. It involves around 400 participants (200 child/parent pairs) engaging in food-related activities and completing questionnaires over time.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Eating behavior activities Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator

Trials

2,103

Recruited

2,760,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey (MEBS) is a reliable 30-item self-report inventory designed to assess eating disorder symptoms in individuals as young as 10 years old, validated through a study involving over 700 families with twin girls aged 11 and 17.

The MEBS demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including good internal consistency, stability over three years, and validity, making it a promising tool for screening and assessing eating disturbances in diverse age groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey: a brief measure of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. von Ranson, KM., Klump, KL., Iacono, WG., et al.[2015]

The meal cookery group-based occupational therapy intervention significantly improved participants' ability to prepare meals, with these improvements lasting for at least one year after the program, as shown by the Eating and Meal Preparation Skills Assessment (EMPSA).

While motivation to prepare meals did not show significant improvement until after the 10th session, it increased significantly by the final session and was also maintained one year later, indicating the intervention's effectiveness in enhancing both skills and motivation in individuals with severe eating disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The St George's eating disorders service meal preparation group for inpatients and day patients pursuing full recovery: a pilot study. Lock, L., Williams, H., Bamford, B., et al.[2015]

A study of 739 adolescents identified five distinct eating trajectories, revealing that both internalizing (like depression) and externalizing (like aggression) behaviors are significant risk factors for developing eating problems.

In boys, specific risk factors such as drug use, victimization, and depressive symptoms were linked to atypical eating behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developmental pathways of eating problems in adolescents. Aimé, A., Craig, WM., Pepler, D., et al.[2022]

In a study of 588 adolescents and young adults with eating disorders, males were found to have higher prescribed caloric intake at discharge compared to females, indicating a need for tailored nutritional strategies for different sexes.

Males also experienced greater weight changes and longer hospital stays than females, suggesting that individualized treatment plans are essential for effectively managing eating disorders in young males.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sex differences in refeeding among hospitalized adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. Nagata, JM., Bojorquez-Ramirez, P., Nguyen, A., et al.[2023]

A nationwide survey of 97 staff members from 66 eating disorder centers in Germany revealed that mealtime support is primarily provided by nurses, with two-thirds of centers offering at least one therapeutically supported meal each day.

The study highlighted a lack of consistent positive reinforcement strategies, as two-thirds of centers used sanctions for not meeting eating goals, while only one-third provided positive reinforcement for achieving them, indicating a need for improved approaches in mealtime support interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Mealtime support for patients with eating disorders: a survey on the clinical practice in German eating disorders centers]. Brockmeyer, T., Friederich, HC., Jäger, B., et al.[2016]

In a study of 96 overweight adolescents aged 13-17, those with binge eating disorder (BED) and subclinical binge eating (SUB) exhibited significantly higher concerns about weight and shape compared to those who overeated without loss of control (OE) and those with no overeating episodes (CONTROL).

Adolescents with BED also reported greater depressive symptoms than those in the OE and CONTROL groups, highlighting that loss of control during eating is a critical factor associated with increased psychological impairment in this age group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The clinical significance of loss of control over eating in overweight adolescents. Goldschmidt, AB., Jones, M., Manwaring, JL., et al.[2008]

In a study of 1494 adolescents, it was found that sports participation is linked to healthier food preferences and can predict symptoms of eating disorders, highlighting the importance of physical activity in dietary choices.

The study suggests that psychological and social factors may play a more significant role in the risk of eating disorders than dietary intake and physical activity patterns, indicating a need for a broader understanding of the causes of these disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Food preferences, eating patterns, and physical activity among adolescents: correlates of eating disorders symptoms. French, SA., Perry, CL., Leon, GR., et al.[2019]

Eating disorders affect around 18 million people in the U.S., leading to serious psychological and physical health issues, highlighting the need for better understanding of their eating behaviors and patterns.

The paper emphasizes the importance of using ecological momentary assessment to study eating behaviors in real-time, which can help reduce biases and improve our understanding of how these behaviors change over time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterization of eating patterns among individuals with eating disorders: what is the state of the plate? Forbush, KT., Hunt, TK.[2022]

Laboratory studies indicate that individuals with bulimia nervosa consume significantly larger amounts of food and eat more rapidly during binge meals compared to controls, suggesting a distinct pattern of eating behavior.

The primary issue in bulimia nervosa appears to be the control of food intake rather than the type of food consumed, as bulimic patients reported feeling hungrier after meals despite higher caloric intake, indicating a disruption in normal appetite regulation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eating behavior in bulimia. Walsh, BT., Kissileff, HR., Hadigan, CM.[2019]

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nationaleatingdisorders.org

nationaleatingdisorders.org/

NEDA | Eating Disorders Support, Awareness & Recovery

Access support, explore resources, join community events, and take a free eating disorders screening—start your recovery journey with NEDA!

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3139829/

The Importance of Eating Behavior in Eating Disorders - PMC

A disturbance in eating behavior is the defining characteristic of the clinical eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

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nimh.nih.gov

nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders

Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know

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Anorexia Nervosa; Bulimia Nervosa; Binge Eating Disorder; Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder; Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders ...

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