Eating Disorder RiskNCT07677020
Anorexia Prevention in Female College Students
A study testing Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement and Psychoeducation in people with Eating Disorder Risk and Body Shape Concern, run by Jinan University Guangzhou at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This study evaluated whether an acceptance-based embodied movement program can reduce eating disorder risk and body shape concerns in female college students at elevated risk. A total of 135 female undergraduate and graduate students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: acceptance-based embodied movement… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Eating Disorder Risk, Body Shape Concern
- What is being tested?
- Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement and Psychoeducation
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 135 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2025to 1 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 to 25 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female undergraduate or graduate students.
- Aged 18 to 25 years.
- Elevated eating disorder risk or body shape concern based on the prespecified screening threshold.
- Physically able to participate in light-intensity physical activity.
- Provided written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Current treatment for an eating disorder.
- Any physical condition contraindicating participation in exercise.
- Pregnancy.
- Concurrent participation in another structured body image or exercise program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Prevention of Anorexia Nervosa in Female College Students
This study evaluated whether an acceptance-based embodied movement program can reduce eating disorder risk and body shape concerns in female college students at elevated risk. A total of 135 female undergraduate and graduate students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: acceptance-based embodied movement, functional fitness control, or psychoeducation. The intervention lasted 8 weeks, and outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 3-month follow-up. The main outcomes were eating disorder risk and body shape concern. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, body image flexibility, functionality appreciation, and body surveillance.
Read the detailed description
This was a single-blind, three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted among female college students at elevated risk of eating disorders or body shape concerns. Participants were recruited from Jinan University and randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to acceptance-based embodied movement, functional fitness control, or psychoeducation.
The acceptance-based embodied movement program used low-impact mindful movements derived from yoga and tai chi and incorporated acceptance and commitment therapy techniques. The program emphasized present-moment body sensations, acceptance of appearance-related thoughts and feelings, cognitive defusion, valued action, and appreciation of body functionality. The functional fitness control program matched the movement intervention in session duration, frequency, and contact time, but removed mindfulness and acceptance components. It included aerobic and core exercises with standard fitness instruction. The psychoeducation program provided cognitive and dissonance-based body image education without physical activity.
All three programs lasted 8 weeks and were delivered in groups by trained facilitators using written manuals. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were eating disorder risk measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form and body shape concern measured by the Body Shape Questionnaire-8C. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, body image flexibility, functionality appreciation, and body surveillance. Attendance, intervention fidelity, and adverse events were monitored throughout the study.
- Conditions
- Eating Disorder Risk, Body Shape Concern
- Being tested
- Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement, Functional Fitness Control, Psychoeducation
- Keywords
- Female college students, Disordered eating, Body image, Body image flexibility, Embodied movement, Acceptance and commitment therapy, Functionality appreciation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Acceptance-Based Embodied MovementBehavioural
An 8-week group-based embodied movement program using low-impact mindful movements derived from yoga and tai chi. The program incorporated acceptance and commitment therapy techniques, including present-moment body awareness, acceptance of appearance-related thoughts and feelings, cognitive defusion, valued action, and appreciation of body functionality.
Functional Fitness ControlBehavioural
An 8-week group-based functional fitness program matched to the embodied movement program in session duration, frequency, and contact time. The program included aerobic and core exercises with standard fitness instruction and did not include mindfulness, acceptance, or body-image-focused guidance.
PsychoeducationBehavioural
An 8-week group-based psychoeducation program without physical activity. The program provided cognitive and dissonance-based body image education, including critical discussion of idealized media images, appearance-focused talk, and body-related self-esteem.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement | Experimental | Participants received an 8-week acceptance-based embodied movement program delivered in groups. The program used low-impact mindful movements derived from yoga and tai chi and incorporated acceptance and commitment therapy techniques, including present-moment awareness, acceptance of appearance-related thoughts and feelings, cognitive defusion, valued action, and appreciation of body functionality. Receives: Behavioral: Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement |
| Functional Fitness Control | Active comparator | Participants received an 8-week functional fitness control program delivered in groups. This program matched the embodied movement program in session duration, frequency, and contact time, but removed mindfulness and acceptance components. It included aerobic and core exercises with standard fitness instruction focused on exertion, completion of exercises, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Receives: Behavioral: Functional Fitness Control |
| Psychoeducation | Active comparator | Participants received an 8-week psychoeducation program delivered in groups without physical activity. The program provided cognitive and dissonance-based body image education, including critical discussion of idealized media images, appearance-focused talk, and body-related self-esteem. Receives: Behavioral: Psychoeducation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Eating Disorder Risk
Eating disorder risk was measured using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS). Higher scores indicate greater eating disorder risk.
Measured: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Body Shape Concern
Body shape concern was measured using the 8-item Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-8C). Higher scores indicate greater body shape concern.
Measured: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Secondary outcomes (4)
Depressive Symptoms
Depressive symptoms were measured using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms.
Measured: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety symptoms were measured using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). Higher scores indicate more severe anxiety symptoms.
Measured: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Body Image Flexibility
Body image flexibility was measured using the Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ). Higher scores indicate greater body image flexibility.
Measured: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Functionality Appreciation
Functionality appreciation was measured using the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS). Higher scores indicate greater appreciation of body functionality.
Measured: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Jun 2025
- Primary completion1 Dec 2025
- Study completion1 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Eating Disorder RiskStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three parallel groups: acceptance-based embodied movement, functional fitness control, or psychoeducation. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 3-month follow-up.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 135 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Jinan University Guangzhou
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Xiaoma, Jinan University Guangzhou
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07677020
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- JNUECKY-20260325-054
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared because participant consent and ethics approval did not include a plan for public sharing of individual-level data.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Prevention of Anorexia Nervosa in Female College Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07677020
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- JNUECKY-20260325-054
- Conditions
- Eating Disorder Risk, Body Shape Concern
- Keywords
- Female college students, Disordered eating, Body image, Body image flexibility, Embodied movement, Acceptance and commitment therapy, Functionality appreciation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 135 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Jinan University GuangzhouUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Jun 2026 (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.
This study evaluated whether an acceptance-based embodied movement program can reduce eating disorder risk and body shape concerns in female college students at elevated risk. A total of 135 female undergraduate and graduate students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: acceptance-based embodied movement, functional fitness control, or psychoeducation. The intervention lasted 8 weeks, and outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 3-month follow-up. The main outcomes were eating disorder risk and body shape concern. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, body image flexibility, functionality appreciation, and body surveillance.
Detailed description
This was a single-blind, three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted among female college students at elevated risk of eating disorders or body shape concerns. Participants were recruited from Jinan University and randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to acceptance-based embodied movement, functional fitness control, or psychoeducation.
The acceptance-based embodied movement program used low-impact mindful movements derived from yoga and tai chi and incorporated acceptance and commitment therapy techniques. The program emphasized present-moment body sensations, acceptance of appearance-related thoughts and feelings, cognitive defusion, valued action, and appreciation of body functionality. The functional fitness control program matched the movement intervention in session duration, frequency, and contact time, but removed mindfulness and acceptance components. It included aerobic and core exercises with standard fitness instruction. The psychoeducation program provided cognitive and dissonance-based body image education without physical activity.
All three programs lasted 8 weeks and were delivered in groups by trained facilitators using written manuals. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were eating disorder risk measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form and body shape concern measured by the Body Shape Questionnaire-8C. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, body image flexibility, functionality appreciation, and body surveillance. Attendance, intervention fidelity, and adverse events were monitored throughout the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three parallel groups: acceptance-based embodied movement, functional fitness control, or psychoeducation. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 3-month follow-up.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement | Experimental | Behavioral: Acceptance-Based Embodied MovementParticipants received an 8-week acceptance-based embodied movement program delivered in groups. The program used low-impact mindful movements derived from yoga and tai chi and incorporated acceptance and commitment therapy techniques, including present-moment awareness, acceptance of appearance-related thoughts and feelings, cognitive defusion, valued action, and appreciation of body functionality. |
| Functional Fitness Control | Active comparator | Behavioral: Functional Fitness ControlParticipants received an 8-week functional fitness control program delivered in groups. This program matched the embodied movement program in session duration, frequency, and contact time, but removed mindfulness and acceptance components. It included aerobic and core exercises with standard fitness instruction focused on exertion, completion of exercises, and cardiorespiratory fitness. |
| Psychoeducation | Active comparator | Behavioral: PsychoeducationParticipants received an 8-week psychoeducation program delivered in groups without physical activity. The program provided cognitive and dissonance-based body image education, including critical discussion of idealized media images, appearance-focused talk, and body-related self-esteem. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female undergraduate or graduate students.
- Aged 18 to 25 years.
- Elevated eating disorder risk or body shape concern based on the prespecified screening threshold.
- Physically able to participate in light-intensity physical activity.
- Provided written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Current treatment for an eating disorder.
- Any physical condition contraindicating participation in exercise.
- Pregnancy.
- Concurrent participation in another structured body image or exercise program.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance-Based Embodied MovementAn 8-week group-based embodied movement program using low-impact mindful movements derived from yoga and tai chi. The program incorporated acceptance and commitment therapy techniques, including present-moment body awareness, acceptance of appearance-related thoughts and feelings, cognitive defusion, valued action, and appreciation of body functionality. | Behavioural | Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement |
| Functional Fitness ControlAn 8-week group-based functional fitness program matched to the embodied movement program in session duration, frequency, and contact time. The program included aerobic and core exercises with standard fitness instruction and did not include mindfulness, acceptance, or body-image-focused guidance. | Behavioural | Functional Fitness Control |
| PsychoeducationAn 8-week group-based psychoeducation program without physical activity. The program provided cognitive and dissonance-based body image education, including critical discussion of idealized media images, appearance-focused talk, and body-related self-esteem. | Behavioural | Psychoeducation |
Primary outcome
Eating Disorder Risk
Time frame: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Eating disorder risk was measured using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS). Higher scores indicate greater eating disorder risk.
Body Shape Concern
Time frame: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Body shape concern was measured using the 8-item Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-8C). Higher scores indicate greater body shape concern.
4 secondary outcomes
Depressive Symptoms
Time frame: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Anxiety Symptoms
Time frame: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Body Image Flexibility
Time frame: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Functionality Appreciation
Time frame: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because participant consent and ethics approval did not include a plan for public sharing of individual-level data.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Acceptance-Based Embodied Movement and Psychoeducation in people with Eating Disorder Risk and Body Shape Concern, run by Jinan University Guangzhou at 1 site in China.
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 5 inclusion and 4 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jun 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 China. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
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?
Eating Disorder Risk (time frame: Baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 20 follow-up). The study lists 2 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 30 Jun 2026.