TEAM-ED Program for Eating Disorders After Bariatric Surgery

(TEAM-ED Trial)

Overseen By Aaron Keshen, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Aaron Keshen

Disqualifiers: Under 19, Not post-surgery, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 10 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new program designed to assist individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery and face challenges with eating habits afterward. The Treatment and Evaluation for After Metabolic Surgery with Eating Disorders (TEAM-ED) Program includes regular online screenings to identify disordered eating and offers therapy and guidance from specialists. The study seeks participants who are between 3 and 18 months post-surgery and can complete online questionnaires in English. The goal is to determine if this program can be effectively implemented in Nova Scotia and how well it improves eating habits and manages weight. As an unphased trial, this study provides an opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance post-surgery care for many.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that the TEAM-ED program is safe for managing disordered eating after weight loss surgery?

Research has shown that the TEAM-ED program, which combines cognitive behavioral therapy with specialist support, is designed to manage eating problems after weight loss surgery. Although specific safety details about the TEAM-ED program are not provided, cognitive behavioral therapy is generally safe and commonly treats various mental health issues, including eating disorders.

Since the study focuses on a program rather than a new drug, typical safety concerns like drug side effects do not apply. The program includes regular check-ins and treatments by specialists to address any issues quickly. Participants will be monitored throughout, and their feedback will contribute to program improvement. This approach aims to support better outcomes and reduce the risk of eating disorders after surgery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike standard treatments for eating disorders after bariatric surgery, which typically focus on nutritional counseling and behavioral therapy, the TEAM-ED Program offers a comprehensive approach that combines psychological support with tailored medical monitoring. This program is unique because it addresses the complex interplay between the physiological changes post-surgery and psychological factors contributing to eating disorders. Researchers are excited about this approach because it could provide more personalized care, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes for patients struggling with eating disorders after undergoing metabolic surgery.

What evidence suggests that the TEAM-ED program is effective for managing disordered eating after weight loss surgery?

Research has shown that the TEAM-ED program, provided to participants in this trial, uses cognitive behavioral therapy along with expert guidance to address eating issues after weight loss surgery. This method helps patients manage their eating habits and improve health following bariatric surgery. Studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy can lead to better eating patterns and fewer signs of eating disorders. Additionally, a team of specialists in weight loss and eating disorders ensures comprehensive care. The program actively involves patients and offers steady support for lasting change. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Aaron Keshen, MD

Principal Investigator

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults in Nova Scotia who have recently undergone weight loss surgery and may be experiencing disordered eating. Participants will be screened and treated if necessary, with the aim to manage their eating habits post-surgery.

Inclusion Criteria

I had weight loss surgery between 3 and 18 months ago.

I am 19 years old or older.

Able to complete English computer-based self-report questionnaires (with adequate accommodation, if necessary)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

3-18 months

Online questionnaire every 3 months

Treatment

Participants receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and treatment plan oversight by specialists

10 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

3 months

1-month and 3-month follow-up assessments

Extension

Participants may be asked to do a one-on-one research interview about their experiences with the program

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Treatment and Evaluation for After Metabolic Surgery with Eating Disorders (TEAM-ED) Program

Trial Overview The TEAM-ED program being tested includes regular online screening questionnaires for disordered eating, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and coordinated care from specialists. The study measures how well this program works in practice.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: TEAM-ED Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Aaron Keshen

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

20+

Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-disordered-eating-behaviors-4-2025-7a2bf

TEAM-ED Program for Eating Disorders After Bariatric ... The goal of this interventional study is to evaluate the Treatment and Evaluation for After Metabolic Surgery with Eating Disorders (TEAM-ED) program, ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3596455/

CHARACTERIZATION OF EATING DISORDERS AFTER ... Bariatric surgery (BS) is now recognized as the most effective treatment for severe obesity, and usually results in improvement or resolution of the medical and ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550728919303223

A modified inpatient eating disorders treatment protocol for ... Clinical data collected via chart review included disordered eating behaviors, medical and psychiatric co-morbidity, and treatment course. Results. All cases ...

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2673-4168/5/2/19

Screening and Treating Disordered Eating in Weight Loss ... A self-report version of the EDE-BSV called the Eating Disorder After Bariatric Surgery—Questionnaire (EDABS-Q) may hold promise [29]. One study compared the ...

5. jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-023-00801-3

Eating disorder outcomes: findings from a rapid review of over ... This paper aims to synthesise the literature on outcomes for people with ED, including rates of remission, recovery and relapse, diagnostic crossover, and ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6768715/

Disordered eating after bariatric surgery: clinical aspects ... Abstract. Purpose of review: Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) are associated with poor weight outcomes following bariatric surgery.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871403X25000894

De novo anorexia nervosa post-bariatric surgery Metabolic and bariatric surgery is generally known to decrease rates of eating disorders post-procedure. In the relatively uncommon event that an eating ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/7/2396

The Development of Feeding and Eating Disorders after ... This study aims to analyze the relation between bariatric surgery and the development and recurrence of eating disorders.