Binge EatingNCT06528067
Mindful Motivation for Reducing Binge Eating
A study testing Meditation and Mindful Motivation in people with Binge Eating and Psychological, run by University of California, San Francisco at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The aim of this study is to test how acceptable and feasible a new eating intervention is in people with overweight and binge eating. This intervention combines mindful eating with motivational interviewing to target binge eating. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Binge Eating, Psychological, Health Behavior
- What is being tested?
- Meditation and Mindful Motivation
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2024to 30 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18 years or older
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)
- High levels of binge eating as assessed by QEWP-5 that are at least sub-clinical for binge eating disorder
- At least 1 episode of binge eating each month over the past 3 months with significant distress about these episodes
- Daily access to a smartphone or computer
- Current student at UCSF
Show all 9Show fewer
- Aged 18 years or older
- At least 1 episode of loss of control while eating each month over the past 3 months with distress about these episodes
- Daily access to a smartphone or computer
Who cannot join
- Being an experienced meditator or having participated in a formal meditation practice in the last 3 months
- Study 2
- Being an experienced meditator or having participated in a formal meditation practice in the last 3 months
- Frequent compensatory behaviors (>1x/week)
- Inability to speak and read English or provide informed consent
- Significant medical or psychological concerns
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94107
About this study
The aim of this study is to test how acceptable and feasible a new eating intervention is in people with overweight and binge eating. This intervention combines mindful eating with motivational interviewing to target binge eating. The main questions this clinical trial aims to answer are:
How well do participants accept the new intervention (acceptability)? Is the intervention practical and easy to implement (feasibility)?
Read more
In this trial researchers will compare the new eating intervention (motivational interviewing for mindful eating + digital meditation) to an active control (digital meditation) to see if the intervention can help reduce binge eating.
Participants will:
- Take online questionnaires at four different time points
- Provide body composition and samples to measure glucose levels
- Meditate for at least 10 minutes a day
- If assigned to the Mindful Motivation group, 8 weeks of brief counseling
Read the detailed description
In this clinical trial, researchers will recruit and randomize a total of 100 participants into an 8-week program. Participants will be assigned to either the 'Mindful Motivation' group (which combines motivational interviewing for mindful eating with digital meditation via headspace) or the 'Active Control' group (digital meditation via headspace only). Measurements will be taken at baseline, week 4, week 8 (post-intervention), and during a 6-month follow-up period. The researchers will look at changes in weight, waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels, and continuous glucose levels for ten days (study 2 only, described below) at baseline and 8-week follow up.
Study 1: 40 participants will be adults from the community (20 in the intervention group and 20 in the active control group).
Study 2: 60 participants will be UCSF graduate students (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the active control group).
The Mindful Motivation program is adapted from several sources, including motivational interviewing for binge eating, motivational interviewing for weight management, and mindfulness-based eating awareness training (MB-EAT). The program includes an initial one-on-one counseling session, three booster calls during the 8-week intervention period, engagement with an online mindful eating program, instruction on mindful eating practices, access to an online anonymous support group, participation in an 8-week general mindfulness program (Headspace), and an optional 6-month follow-up with a counselor.
- Conditions
- Binge Eating, Psychological, Health Behavior, Weight, Body
- Being tested
- Meditation, Mindful Motivation
- Keywords
- Health, Meditation, Eating, Mindfulness, Students
- Medical subject headings
- Bulimia, Health Behavior, Body Weight
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
MeditationBehavioural
10 minute per day, 8 week digital meditation
Mindful MotivationBehavioural
A single 50 minute counseling session focused on eating behaviors, and three 10-minute follow-up phone calls to check-in on eating goals
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mindful Motivation Group | Experimental | Participants will be assigned to a eating intervention that combines general mindfulness (via headspace) with motivational interviewing for mindful eating They will be asked to attend an online counseling session along with three 10-minute booster phone calls. They will be asked to engage with a digital-based mindful eating program once per week over the course of 8 weeks. In addition, participants will have access to optional educational materials on mindful eating and an optional online private support forum after the intervention period is finished. Receives: Behavioral: Meditation; Behavioral: Mindful Motivation |
| Active Control Condition | Active comparator | Participants in the meditation intervention group will be assigned to a digitally-based meditation intervention (via Headspace) and asked to use this for at least 10 minutes a day over the course of 8 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Meditation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Client Satisfaction score, as determined by the total score on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)
The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) has a total score scale range of 8 to 32, with higher numbers indicating greater satisfaction
Measured: Mid-intervention to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 4 weeks
Change in Credibility/Expectancy and Satisfaction Questionnaire (CEQ) score, as determined by total score on the CEQ
The CEQ consists of two subscales: credibility and expectancy. The CEQ contains 6 items rated on a 1-9 scale or a 0-100% scale depending upon the item. The first three and fifth items of the scale load onto the credibility factor and has a total score scale range of 4-36. The fourth and sixth item loads onto the expectancy factor and has a total score range of 2-22. The credibility score reflects how believable and convincing participants find the treatment, while the expectancy score reflects their expectations of how effective they think the treatment will be. Higher scores indicate greater credibility and higher expectations for the treatment's effectiveness.
Measured: Mid-intervention to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 4 weeks
Percentage of participants attending a phone call at the start of the intervention
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the phone call at the start of the intervention the investigator aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Measured: Baseline
Percentage of participants attending a counseling session
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the counseling session following the phone call the investigators aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Measured: Baseline
Percentage of participants attending a booster call # 1
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the first booster call at mid intervention the investigators aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Measured: Mid intervention, an anticipated average of 1 week after counseling session
Percentage of participants attending a booster call #2
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the second booster call at mid intervention the investigator aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Measured: Mid intervention, an anticipated average of 2 week after first booster call
Percentage of participants attending a booster call #3
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the third booster call at the end of the intervention the investigators aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Measured: End if the intervention, an anticipated average of 3 weeks after the second booster call
Secondary outcomes (5)
Change in the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) questionnaire, as determined by the average score on the MAAS
The MAAS has a total average score scale range of 1 to 6, with higher numbers indicating greater dispositional mindfulness.
Measured: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in self-reported motivation to change behavior, as determined by total score
This measure is composed of 3 questions, with each question ranging in score from 0 to 10, and total score scale range of 0 to 30, with higher numbers indicating motivation to change behavior. To see changes in motivation, 3 questions adapted from previous work (Miller and Rollnick, 2002) will be asked: "How important is it for the participant to change?" "How ready is the participant to change?" and If the participant decide to change, how confident is the participant that they will succeed?"
Measured: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Scale (WEL-SF) score, as determined by total score on the WEL-SF
The WEL-SF has a total score scale range of 1 to 88, with higher numbers indicating greater confidence in one's ability to resist overeating across 8 different scenarios.
Measured: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in Reward Based Eating Drive Scale (RED-13) score, as determined by total score on the RED-13.
The RED-13 has a total score scale range of 13 to 65, with higher numbers indicating a greater drive to eat for reward or pleasure.
Measured: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP) frequency of binge eating episodes per month
The first several items of the QEWP-5 assess the frequency of objectively large binge episodes (OBEs) per month. Frequency can range from 0 to 100+.
Measured: baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jul 2024
- Study start1 Aug 2024
- Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Binge EatingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of California, San FranciscoThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Model description
- Randomization in to one of two conditions: 1. Mindful Motivation Intervention 2. Active Control
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, San Francisco
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Headspace Meditation Limited, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), DexCom, Inc.
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Rachel Radin, PhD, Principal investigator, University of California, San FranciscoElissa Epel, PhD, Principal investigator, University of California, San Francisco
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06528067
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 23-40464
- Other IDs
- K23AT011048
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Jul 2024
- Last updated
- 11 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Mindful Motivation for Reducing Binge Eating
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06528067
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 23-40464
- Conditions
- Binge Eating, Psychological, Health Behavior, Weight, Body
- Keywords
- Health, Meditation, Eating, Mindfulness, Students
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, San FranciscoUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Headspace Meditation Limited, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), DexCom, Inc.
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study is to test how acceptable and feasible a new eating intervention is in people with overweight and binge eating. This intervention combines mindful eating with motivational interviewing to target binge eating. The main questions this clinical trial aims to answer are:
How well do participants accept the new intervention (acceptability)? Is the intervention practical and easy to implement (feasibility)?
In this trial researchers will compare the new eating intervention (motivational interviewing for mindful eating + digital meditation) to an active control (digital meditation) to see if the intervention can help reduce binge eating.
Participants will:
- Take online questionnaires at four different time points
- Provide body composition and samples to measure glucose levels
- Meditate for at least 10 minutes a day
- If assigned to the Mindful Motivation group, 8 weeks of brief counseling
Detailed description
In this clinical trial, researchers will recruit and randomize a total of 100 participants into an 8-week program. Participants will be assigned to either the 'Mindful Motivation' group (which combines motivational interviewing for mindful eating with digital meditation via headspace) or the 'Active Control' group (digital meditation via headspace only). Measurements will be taken at baseline, week 4, week 8 (post-intervention), and during a 6-month follow-up period. The researchers will look at changes in weight, waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels, and continuous glucose levels for ten days (study 2 only, described below) at baseline and 8-week follow up.
Study 1: 40 participants will be adults from the community (20 in the intervention group and 20 in the active control group).
Study 2: 60 participants will be UCSF graduate students (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the active control group).
The Mindful Motivation program is adapted from several sources, including motivational interviewing for binge eating, motivational interviewing for weight management, and mindfulness-based eating awareness training (MB-EAT). The program includes an initial one-on-one counseling session, three booster calls during the 8-week intervention period, engagement with an online mindful eating program, instruction on mindful eating practices, access to an online anonymous support group, participation in an 8-week general mindfulness program (Headspace), and an optional 6-month follow-up with a counselor.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Randomization in to one of two conditions: 1. Mindful Motivation Intervention 2. Active Control
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mindful Motivation Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Meditation, Behavioral: Mindful MotivationParticipants will be assigned to a eating intervention that combines general mindfulness (via headspace) with motivational interviewing for mindful eating They will be asked to attend an online counseling session along with three 10-minute booster phone calls. They will be asked to engage with a digital-based mindful eating program once per week over the course of 8 weeks. In addition, participants will have access to optional educational materials on mindful eating and an optional online private support forum after the intervention period is finished. |
| Active Control Condition | Active comparator | Behavioral: MeditationParticipants in the meditation intervention group will be assigned to a digitally-based meditation intervention (via Headspace) and asked to use this for at least 10 minutes a day over the course of 8 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Aged 18 years or older
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)
- High levels of binge eating as assessed by QEWP-5 that are at least sub-clinical for binge eating disorder
- At least 1 episode of binge eating each month over the past 3 months with significant distress about these episodes
- Daily access to a smartphone or computer
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Being an experienced meditator or having participated in a formal meditation practice in the last 3 months
- Study 2
- Being an experienced meditator or having participated in a formal meditation practice in the last 3 months
- Frequent compensatory behaviors (>1x/week)
- Inability to speak and read English or provide informed consent
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Meditation10 minute per day, 8 week digital meditation | Behavioural | Active Control Condition, Mindful Motivation Group |
| Mindful MotivationA single 50 minute counseling session focused on eating behaviors, and three 10-minute follow-up phone calls to check-in on eating goals | Behavioural | Mindful Motivation Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Client Satisfaction score, as determined by the total score on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)
Time frame: Mid-intervention to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 4 weeks
The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) has a total score scale range of 8 to 32, with higher numbers indicating greater satisfaction
Change in Credibility/Expectancy and Satisfaction Questionnaire (CEQ) score, as determined by total score on the CEQ
Time frame: Mid-intervention to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 4 weeks
The CEQ consists of two subscales: credibility and expectancy. The CEQ contains 6 items rated on a 1-9 scale or a 0-100% scale depending upon the item. The first three and fifth items of the scale load onto the credibility factor and has a total score scale range of 4-36. The fourth and sixth item loads onto the expectancy factor and has a total score range of 2-22. The credibility score reflects how believable and convincing participants find the treatment, while the expectancy score reflects their expectations of how effective they think the treatment will be. Higher scores indicate greater credibility and higher expectations for the treatment's effectiveness.
Percentage of participants attending a phone call at the start of the intervention
Time frame: Baseline
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the phone call at the start of the intervention the investigator aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Percentage of participants attending a counseling session
Time frame: Baseline
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the counseling session following the phone call the investigators aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Percentage of participants attending a booster call # 1
Time frame: Mid intervention, an anticipated average of 1 week after counseling session
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the first booster call at mid intervention the investigators aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Percentage of participants attending a booster call #2
Time frame: Mid intervention, an anticipated average of 2 week after first booster call
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the second booster call at mid intervention the investigator aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
Percentage of participants attending a booster call #3
Time frame: End if the intervention, an anticipated average of 3 weeks after the second booster call
By calculating the percentage of participants who attended the third booster call at the end of the intervention the investigators aim to determine treatment feasibility. The higher the percentage of participants who attend the more feasible the intervention is for participants. The investigators aim for 80% attendance.
5 secondary outcomes
Change in the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) questionnaire, as determined by the average score on the MAAS
Time frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in self-reported motivation to change behavior, as determined by total score
Time frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Scale (WEL-SF) score, as determined by total score on the WEL-SF
Time frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in Reward Based Eating Drive Scale (RED-13) score, as determined by total score on the RED-13.
Time frame: Baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Change in Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP) frequency of binge eating episodes per month
Time frame: baseline to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 8 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Rachel Radin, PhD principal investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Elissa Epel, PhD principal investigator
University of California, San Francisco
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Meditation and Mindful Motivation in people with Binge Eating and Psychological, run by University of California, San Francisco at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Client Satisfaction score, as determined by the total score on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) (time frame: Mid-intervention to post-intervention, an anticipated average of 4 weeks). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.