Research Center: the University of Pittsburgh 
Location: This is a virtual research study open across the United States
Lead Researchers: Andrea Goldschmidt and Andrea Graham
IRB/HREC: This research study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Pittsburgh IRB

Whether you’re a parent watching your teen struggle, or a teenager facing these challenges yourself, finding the right support can be difficult. This virtual research study is testing a new app designed to support teens in managing their eating habits, mood, and stress while developing coping skills that may last well into the future. Those who take part will not only gain access to new tools but also help researchers better understand how to support others facing the same challenges.

As a thank-you, teen participants will receive a Fitbit and SmartScale to keep, up to $400 in compensation, and full access to a flexible, supportive 16-week online program. Enrollment starts with a simple screening – teens under the age of 18 are asked to have a parent or legal guardian complete the questionnaire on their behalf, while participants aged 18 and older should complete the questionnaire themselves. Sign up and get started today.

• Participants will receive access to a new Smartphone app that aims to help with overeating and binge eating
• Participants will be compensated up to $400 for participating in this research study. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who complete the research study.
• Participants also receive a FitBit and SmartScale for use in the research study, which they can keep after completing the 16-week trial.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may help teens regulate their eating, mood, and weight, and learn coping skills to decrease future dysregulation.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• The participant in this research study will receive a detailed outline of all details of the research study, including risks and procedures, and will be given the chance to ask research study staff questions before deciding whether to participate.
• If you or your teen decide toparticipate in the research study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time
• You or your teen’s records relating to this research study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

Who Can Participate:

• Must be between 13–19 years old.
• Must have experienced loss of control eating or overeating in the past 3 months.
• Must have regular access to a smartphone and the internet.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Must live in the United States.
• Must be able and willing to participate virtually for about 4 months, including research study procedures such as a Zoom assessment, app use, and follow-up visits.

Who Cannot Participate:

• Must not be currently taking medications that affect weight or appetite.
• Must not be currently involved in treatment for an eating or weight disorder.
• Must not have a medical or psychiatric condition (such as diabetes or bulimia nervosa) that significantly affects eating or weight (aside from binge eating disorder).
• Must not have a diagnosed developmental or cognitive disorder.

The University of Pittsburgh
With a focus on world-class research, academic excellence, and equipping every student with real-world skills, Pitt shapes civically prepared leaders who come together to transform ideas into impact. The University of Pittsburgh is a top-ranked, public institution in Pennsylvania and a member of the Association of American Universities, composed of the country’s leading research universities. Our pioneering legacy and demonstrated expertise in making the previously unachievable a reality enable us to say: It’s Possible at Pitt.

The research study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details include:

• Participants will be asked to complete a one-time Zoom assessment (60–90 minutes) and a required post-intervention visit at 16 weeks, with optional mid- and post-research study follow-ups.
• Participants may be asked to take part in a 1-week test run (Fitbit use, scale pictures, and brief diet recall calls), followed by a 16-week main program using the VIBE app, texts/calls with a coach, and possibly a skills app.
• Participants will be asked to optionally continue sharing weight data for up to 4 additional months if they keep using the electronic scale after the research study.