Development of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa During Weight Rehabilitation Over Time, Depending on the Nutritional Strategy

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Study Type: Observational
SUMMARY

This prospective observational study investigates the development of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) during multi-week inpatient weight rehabilitation. The study explores how the predominant nutritional strategy-flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan-relates to changes in GI symptoms over the course of treatment. In addition to diet, the study examines how weight gain and other clinical, psychological, and demographic factors influence the trajectory of GI symptoms. Patients complete weekly questionnaires assessing GI symptoms as part of routine care at the Eating Disorder Center of the Klinik Lüneburger Heide, Germany. Further data are drawn from standard clinical assessments, including body weight, body composition, and psychometric instruments. The primary outcome is the change in GI symptom severity (measured via the GSRS score) from admission to discharge, analyzed in relation to dietary pattern and weight development. Secondary analyses will explore symptom progression over time, group differences between AN and BN, and predictors of GI symptom improvement, including dietary intake, baseline psychological status, symptom change, weight trajectory, and treatment duration. The outcomes will be analyzed separately for AN and BN. The study aims to recruit approximately 150 patients with AN and 35-40 with BN. Inclusion requires a diagnosis of AN (any subtype) or BN, age over 12 years, clinical stability, and the ability to provide informed consent. The findings aim to inform evidence-based dietary recommendations for individuals with eating disorders who experience significant GI symptoms during nutritional rehabilitation.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 12
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (all subtypes)

• patients diagnosed bulimia nervosa

Locations
Other Locations
Germany
Klinik Lüneburger Heide
RECRUITING
Bad Bevensen
Contact Information
Primary
Isabelle Mack, Prof. Dr.
i.mack@uni-tuebingen.de
+49 070712985614
Backup
Marc Leiteritz, Dr.
m.leiteritz@klinik-lueneburger-heide.de
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-09-09
Estimated Completion Date: 2027-12-31
Participants
Target number of participants: 185
Treatments
Patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
The study population includes patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) who participate in an established, multi-week inpatient treatment program aimed at weight rehabilitation and normalization of eating behavior at the Eating Disorder Center of the Klinik Lüneburger Heide in 29549 Bad Bevensen, Germany. The diagnostic and treatment of the patients is as usual. These data, including detailed data on dietary intake, are used for the study. Additionally, information on gastrointestinal sympoms are assessed upon admission and discharge and weekly during the inpatient stay. The outcomes will be analyzed seperately for patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: University Hospital Tuebingen

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov