Effectiveness of virtually delivered Body Project groups to prevent eating disorders in young women at risk: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

This study therefore seeks to investigate the effect of virtualBody Project groups delivered by peers versus clinicians on ED risk factors, ED symptoms, and prospective ED onset.MethodsYoung women with body image concerns aged 16 –25 years (N = 441) will be included in the study and randomized to three conditions: (i) virtually deliveredBody Project groups led by clinicians; (ii)  virtually deliveredBody Project groups led by peers; and (iii) psychoeducational control group. Participants will complete assessments at five timepoints over two years (pretest, posttest, 6-months, 1-year, and 2-years).DiscussionFurther research is needed to examine approaches to increase the potential for broad implementation of prevention of EDs. The virtual modality of theBody Project could markedly expand the reach for young women at risk. If findings confirm that peers can deliver virtualBody Project groups as effectively as clinicians, this will further enhance the implementation potential.Trial registration: The present study has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05993728).
Source: Journal of Eating Disorders - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research