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

400 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Food protocols for eating disorders?

A study on meal preparation groups for patients with severe eating disorders showed significant improvements in their ability and motivation to prepare and eat normal meals, suggesting that structured food-related activities can aid recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does this treatment for eating disorders differ from other treatments?

The treatment in this clinical trial focuses on observing and understanding the development of eating behaviors related to eating disorders, which is unique because it aims to identify early patterns and risk factors rather than directly treating symptoms. This approach may help in creating preventive strategies and personalized interventions for individuals at risk of developing eating disorders. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will examine children's eating behavior. The study will enroll approximately 400 participants (200 child/parent pairs). At certain time points, participants will engage in activities involving the presentation of food and the observation of behavioral responses to these presentations, as well as the completion of questionnaires

Research Team

Julie Lumeng, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

References

1. England 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. [2015]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterization of eating patterns among individuals with eating disorders: what is the state of the plate? [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sex differences in refeeding among hospitalized adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eating behavior in bulimia. [2019]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Mealtime support for patients with eating disorders: a survey on the clinical practice in German eating disorders centers]. [2016]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developmental pathways of eating problems in adolescents. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Food preferences, eating patterns, and physical activity among adolescents: correlates of eating disorders symptoms. [2019]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey: a brief measure of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. [2015]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The clinical significance of loss of control over eating in overweight adolescents. [2008]